Other countries procurement responses to COVID-19: Ireland

The Office of Government Procurement in Ireland (hat tip to Ross!) has published an instruction note on  how to directly award contracts in situations of extreme urgency, absence of competition/protection of exclusive rights, using the standard procedure with accelerated timescales, light touch regime or extending/modifying a contract during its term. All in all, it is very much practice focused and in line with the approach taken in the UK.

In addition., the note also touches up the issue of continuity of supply and the requirement to keep up with prompt payments to the private sector (ie, within 15 days).