Marking Six Weeks Since Procurement Act Tenders on Find a Tender Service

IT HAS BEEN just over six weeks since the start of the new Procurement Act and start of the associated tenders on the Find a Tender service.

Find a Tender

The central digital platform is up and running with strong and active engagement from both suppliers and contracting authorities. The Cabinet Office reports that, as at 7 April 2025, there were 14,437 suppliers, 2,140 contracting authorities, and 25,546 users registered.

There have been 2,568 notices of public sector contracts published on the central digital platform since its inception. These are all in the public domain and searchable.

Pre-Market Engagement

Suppliers can search for opportunities in their areas and follow instructions to engage directly with procurement teams among over 700 notices for pre-market engagement.

This helps share market insight and gathers input into complex commercial tenders.

Procurement Teams are currently looking for engagement on initiatives such as a maintenance contract for London’s bridges and structures; a new theatre hall in the north west – and many more.

Live Tenders & Frameworks

Additionally, there are live tenders to bid for and live contracts being published. This data is available to everyone and suppliers are encouraged to save their own searches to respond to tenders.

Live tenders include some substantial frameworks such as Department for Education’s Construction Framework 25 and Crown Commercial Service’s Estate Management.

Pipeline Notice (UK1) Launches

Another key feature of the new Procurement Act is the introduction of the Pipeline Notice on 1 April 2025.

Also known as UK1, these notices give an indication of what a public organisation is planning to buy. A guide for buyers and suppliers and how you can search for them is available here.

Pipeline Notices are about new procurements planned in the next 18 months with an estimated value of more than £2 million.

This is to support suppliers’ preparedness by giving early visibility of upcoming procurement opportunities. It will help, particularly SMEs, to plan resources, form partnerships and make more informed decisions about entering into procurement processes.

It will also encourage innovation by allowing suppliers to offer input during the early stages of procurement planning.

>> Read more about tenders in the news