Commentary on Sections Contracting authorities Section 1 – Contracting authorities
6.Section 1(1) of the Act describes those bodies to whom the provisions of this Act will apply, by providing a definition of a “contracting authority”. This includes the bodies, office-holders and persons listed in the schedule and contracting authorities, as defined in the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2012, whose functions are exercisable in or as regards Scotland and do not relate to reserved matters. Broadly this includes all Scottish bodies that are subject to procurement obligations under the Regulations.
7.Section 1(2) gives power to the Scottish Ministers to modify the meaning of “contracting authority” by order, including the power to amend the definition and the list in the schedule. By virtue of section 44(2) such an order is subject to the affirmative procedure.