On 25 January 2006, The Public Contracts Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/5) and The Utilities Contracts Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/6) were published. These Regulations implement in England, Wales and Northern Ireland EC Directive 2004/18, on the procedures for the award of public works contracts, public supply contracts and public services contracts, and EC Directive 2004/17, on the procurement procedures applicable to entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors (see Legal update, OGC publishes response to consultation on new procurement regulations). The Regulations introduce a number of new procedures and obligations when public bodies or relevant utilities award works, goods or services contracts (see for example, Legal update, Commission publishes four explanatory notes on new procurement directives). In addition, the new Regulations amend the contract award process in order to correctly implement EC law. A contracting entity is now obliged to award all bidders of its decision to award a contract and to allow a minimum 10-day standstill period within which objections can be lodged (see Legal update, OGC consults on amendment to procurement regulations to implement Alcatel judgment). Both Regulations come into force on 31 January 2006.