Attempts to improve public sector procurement processes have been challenged by business leaders. The CBI reacted to new guidance from the Treasury and Office of Government Commerce (OGC) with a warning that the new process was proving ‘unduly challenging'. The Competitive Dialogue procurement procedure allows contracting authorities to discuss all aspects of the proposed contract with prospective bidders. The new guidance aims to clarify a number of issues, with a view to reduce the time and cost of many public sector procurements. But the CBI's head of public procurement, James Fothergill, said: ‘This was intended to help the negotiation of complex contracts and ensure the procurement of more innovative, efficient and responsive public services. However, our members have raised concerns that the process is proving unduly challenging for procurers and suppliers alike.' In response, the OGC revealed it had released additional, practical guidance to assist contracting authorities. Executive director of policy, standards and capability, Sally Collier, said: ‘The new guidance should help all parties to use competitive dialogue to the best effect in the most efficient way possible. This guidance should help to raise further the standards in this important and challenging area.'