Understanding UK Procurement Portals
UK procurement portals are online platforms that connect public sector buyers with suppliers. They list tender opportunities from government bodies and other public organisations.
There are 2 types of procurement portals.
To Find Tenders and Procurement Opportunities
You can use these portals to find and bid on contracts for goods and services. Some popular UK portals include:
- Contracts Finder
- Find a Tender Service
- Public Contracts Scotland
- Sell2Wales
- eTendersNI
These sites let you search for relevant tenders and set up email alerts. You can also download tender documents and submit bids electronically.
Thornton & Lowe has a free procurement portal, which collates these opportunities and provides tender alerts - Tender Pipeline.
Procurement Portals to Respond to Tenders
For public sector tenders, these include:
- BravoSolution
- ProContract (Proactis)
- Delta eSourcing
- In-Tend
- Atamis
This is where you can access tender documents, expression an interest, ask clarification questions and submit your tender response electronically.
To use procurement portals effectively:
- Register your company on multiple sites. Tender Pipeline will provide adverts which contain details of each procurement portal to access. As you start bidding more, you will quickly be registered with each procurement portal.
- Keep your profile up-to-date
- Check portals regularly for new opportunities
- Read tender requirements carefully
- Submit high-quality bids before deadlines
Effective Use of Search Features on Procurement Portals
Procurement portals offer powerful search tools to help you find relevant tender notices quickly. Use keywords related to your products or services to narrow down results. Many portals allow you to set up email alerts for new opportunities matching your criteria.
Take advantage of filters to refine your search. Common options include:
- Contract value
- Location
- Closing date
- Industry sector
Familiarise yourself with procurement data codes like CPV (Common Procurement Vocabulary) numbers. Including these in searches can improve accuracy.
Try different word combinations and spellings to capture all relevant notices. For example, search for both "software" and "IT systems".
Public sector procurement in the UK follows strict rules. The new Procurement Act 2023 aims to make the process fairer and more transparent.
A central digital platform is being developed to publish all UK public tender notices. This will make it easier for suppliers to find opportunities across different portals.
Using procurement portals can help you grow your business by winning government contracts. They give you access to a wide range of public sector buyers looking for suppliers.
Key Portals for Finding UK Government Contracts
The UK government offers several online portals for businesses to find and bid on public sector contracts. These platforms provide access to a wide range of opportunities across different sectors and regions.
Contracts Finder
Contracts Finder is the main portal for finding UK government contracts. It lists opportunities worth over £12,000, including VAT. You can search for contracts by keyword, location, or value. The site is free to use and doesn't require registration.
To get started:
- Visit the Contracts Finder website
- Use the search bar to find relevant opportunities
- Filter results by location, value, or date
- Click on interesting contracts for more details
Contracts Finder also lets you set up email alerts for new opportunities that match your criteria. This can save you time and help you spot relevant contracts quickly.
Find a Tender Service
Find a Tender Service (FTS) is for high-value contracts in the UK's public and utilities sectors. It replaced the EU's TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) system after Brexit. The service covers contracts typically worth over £139,688, including VAT.
Key features:
- Advanced search options
- Detailed contract notices
- Option to create an account for personalised searches
You can use Find a Tender to search for contracts, view award notices, and access procurement documents.
Public Contracts Scotland
Public Contracts Scotland is the main portal for Scottish public sector contracts. It lists opportunities from the Scottish Government, local councils, NHS Scotland, and other public bodies.
The site offers:
- Free registration
- Email alerts for new contracts
- Quick quote system for lower value contracts
To use the portal, create an account and set up your company profile. You can then search for contracts and submit bids directly through the platform.
Sell2Wales
Sell2Wales is the Welsh government's procurement portal. It lists contracts from Welsh public sector organisations, including local councils and NHS Wales.
Key benefits:
- Free registration
- Supplier finder tool for buyers
- Training resources and support
To get started, register your business on the site. You can then create a detailed profile to showcase your products or services to Welsh public sector buyers.
eTendersNI
eTendersNI is Northern Ireland's procurement portal. It covers contracts from Northern Ireland government departments, agencies, and other public sector bodies.
The platform offers:
- User-friendly interface
- Automated email alerts
- Online bid submission
To use eTendersNI, you need to register and create a company profile.
Digital Marketplace
The Digital Marketplace is specific to IT and digital services. It's used by the UK public sector to find and buy cloud and digital specialist services.
Key aspects:
- Focus on cloud services, digital outcomes, and specialist roles
- Simplified procurement process
- Support for SMEs and new suppliers
To sell through the Digital Marketplace, you need to apply to the relevant frameworks. Once approved, you can create service listings and respond to buyer requirements. Within our CCS section of the site we have a lot of advice on key IT, digital and cloud opportunities.
Looking for support?
Contact us todayNavigating Public Sector Contracts
Public sector contracts offer big chances for UK businesses. To win these deals, you need to know where to look and how the system works. Let's explore the key parts of finding and getting public contracts.
You may need to provide this information through a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ). Make sure your accounts are up to date and accurate.
Some contracts may require specific financial ratios or minimum turnover levels. Check these carefully before bidding.
If you're a new business, you might need to provide alternative evidence of financial stability. This could include business plans or funding agreements.
The Procurement Act 2023
The Procurement Act 2023 will change how the UK buys goods and services. It aims to make things simpler and fairer. The act comes into force in February 2025.
Key points of the act include:
- A new central digital platform for all contract notices
- More focus on social value in bids
- A new unit to check public buying practices
The act will also set up a Procurement Review Unit. This team will look at how well public groups follow the rules. They'll also keep an eye on risky suppliers.
For you as a supplier, this means new ways to show your worth. You'll need to think about how your work helps society, not just its price.
Public Contracts Regulations 2015
The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 set out the rules for public procurement in the UK. They apply to contracts above certain value thresholds. You must follow these rules when bidding for public sector work.
Key points include:
- Open and fair competition
- Equal treatment of all bidders
- Transparency in the process
- Use of electronic communication
You need to be aware of the different procedures for bidding. These include open, restricted, and competitive dialogue. Each has its own set of rules and timelines.
The regulations also cover framework agreements and dynamic purchasing systems (DPS). These are common in public sector procurement.
Understanding Frameworks
Frameworks are deals that let public groups buy goods or services without a full tender each time. They're great for both buyers and sellers.
As a supplier, getting on a framework can mean steady work. You only need to qualify once to bid for lots of jobs.
Types of frameworks include:
- Single-supplier: One firm does all the work
- Multi-supplier: A group of firms can bid for each job
To join a framework:
- Find ones that fit your business
- Check if you meet the criteria
- Submit your bid when the framework opens
Look for framework chances on the same portals as other contracts. Some big ones are Crown Commercial Service and NHS Shared Business Services.
Registration and Applying for Contracts
Getting started with UK procurement portals involves setting up accounts and learning how to find and bid on different types of contracts. The process varies based on contract value and specific portal requirements.
Initial Registration Process
To use most UK procurement portals, you'll need to register first. Start by visiting the portal's website and looking for a 'Register' or 'Sign Up' button. You'll typically need to provide:
- Company details
- Contact information
- Tax numbers
- Business classifications
Some portals may ask for additional documents to verify your business. Once registered, you can create a profile showcasing your company's strengths and capabilities. This helps buyers find you more easily when searching for suppliers.
Keep your registration details up-to-date. Many portals allow you to set email alerts for relevant opportunities.
Applying for High-Value Contracts
For contracts worth over £139,688 (including VAT), use the Find a Tender service. Here's how to apply:
- Search for suitable opportunities
- Read the contract notice carefully
- Download tender documents
- Prepare your bid, following all instructions
- Submit your application before the deadline
High-value contracts often have stricter requirements. You might need to:
- Prove financial stability
- Show relevant experience
- Provide detailed methodologies
Give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Late submissions are usually rejected automatically. We are here to help and advise! Contact us - hello@thorntonandlowe.com / 01204 238046
Handling Below-Threshold Contracts
For lower-value contracts, use the Contracts Finder service. The process is often simpler:
- Create an account (optional but recommended)
- Search using keywords or filters
- Review contract details
- Follow application instructions
These contracts may have less complex requirements. However, competition can be fierce. To stand out:
- Tailor your bid to the specific needs
- Highlight your unique selling points
- Provide clear pricing information
Don't overlook local council websites. They often list smaller contracts not found on national portals.
Sector-Specific Portals and Opportunities
The UK has dedicated procurement portals for different sectors. These platforms offer tailored opportunities for businesses looking to work with specific public bodies.
NHS Tenders
The NHS has its own procurement portal called NHS Supply Chain. You can find a wide range of healthcare-related tenders here.
To use it, create an account and set up email alerts for relevant opportunities. The portal lists everything from medical equipment to IT services.
Keep in mind that NHS tenders often have strict requirements. Make sure you can meet all specifications before bidding.
Crown Commercial Service
The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is the UK's largest public procurement organisation. It runs several frameworks and deals with high-value contracts.
You can find CCS opportunities on their website or through the Find a Tender service. They cover a broad range of sectors, including technology, facilities management, and professional services.
To succeed with CCS bids, focus on value for money and innovation. They often look for suppliers who can offer cost savings to the government.
Education and Local Government Tenders
For education and local government contracts, check regional portals. Each area often has its own platform for listing opportunities.
Some key ones include YOR Tender for Yorkshire and the Humber, and the South East Business Portal. These list contracts for schools, councils, and other local bodies.
When bidding, show your understanding of local needs and challenges. Highlight any past work with similar organisations to boost your chances.
Subscriptions and Notifications for Up-to-date Information
Staying informed about new procurement opportunities is crucial for growing your business. UK procurement portals offer various ways to get timely updates.
Most portals let you set up email alerts for specific types of tenders. You can choose categories, sectors, or keywords that match your interests.
Tender alerts are sent straight to your inbox when new opportunities arise. This saves you time and ensures you don't miss out on relevant bids.
Many platforms also provide RSS feeds. These allow you to get real-time updates in your preferred news reader app.
Some portals offer mobile apps with push notifications. You'll get instant alerts on your phone when new tenders are published.
To set up notifications:
- Create an account on the procurement portal
- Go to your profile settings
- Choose your preferred alert method (email, SMS, app)
- Select your areas of interest
- Set how often you want to receive updates
Remember to check your spam folder if you're not receiving alerts. You might need to add the portal's email address to your safe senders list.
Procurement notices can change quickly. Make sure to review your notification settings regularly to stay on top of new opportunities.
Opportunities for SMEs in Public Contracting
Public sector contracts offer great potential for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. The government wants to work with SMEs to tap into their innovation and flexibility.
You can find many chances to win public contracts as an SME. The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) provides access to a wide range of opportunities. They aim to make the process simpler for smaller businesses.
Some key benefits for SMEs include:
- More flexibility in service delivery
- Ability to offer specialised expertise
- Potential for innovation
- Faster decision-making
To get started, register on procurement portals like Supply2Gov. These platforms list local council tenders and other public sector opportunities. They're updated regularly with new contracts.
When bidding, focus on your unique strengths as an SME. Highlight your agility and cost-effectiveness. Public bodies recognise that smaller firms can often provide better value and higher quality service.
Remember, the process may seem complex at first. But don't be put off. Many resources are available to help you navigate public procurement. With persistence, you can win valuable government contracts and grow your business.
Utilising the Central Digital Platform for Procurements
The Central Digital Platform is changing how UK public procurement works. It brings together key services to make bidding for contracts easier.
At the heart of the platform is an upgraded Find a Tender service. This is where you'll find notices about new contract opportunities.
The platform also includes a new Supplier Information Service. This lets you enter your company details just once. You won't need to repeat this info for each bid.
To use the platform:
- Register your business on the Supplier Information Service
- Fill in your company profile
- Search for relevant opportunities on Find a Tender
- Submit bids through the platform
The system aims to cut red tape for suppliers. It should make the bidding process quicker and simpler.
Keep your profile up to date. This ensures contracting authorities always have your latest details.
Check the platform regularly for new opportunities. Set up email alerts for contracts in your sector.
The Central Digital Platform is still new. Expect some changes as the system develops. Stay informed about updates to get the most from this tool.
Data Analysis for Strategic Bidding
Data analysis is key for smart bidding on UK government contracts. You can use procurement data to spot trends and make informed choices.
Start by looking at past contract awards. Note which companies won bids and for what amounts. This helps you understand the competitive landscape.
Pay attention to the types of projects different contracting authorities typically put out. Some may favour certain services or have specific requirements.
Analyse the frequency of contract postings. This can help you plan your bidding strategy and allocate resources effectively.
Look at contract values over time. Are they increasing or decreasing? This insight can guide your pricing strategy.
Consider creating a simple spreadsheet to track key details:
- Contract title
- Contracting authority
- Award date
- Contract value
- Winning bidder
Use this data to identify patterns. You might spot niche areas where fewer companies bid, giving you a better chance of success.
Remember to check multiple procurement portals. Different sites may have unique opportunities or data sets.
By using data smartly, you can focus your efforts on the most promising contracts. This targeted approach can boost your chances of winning bids and growing your business.
