Where to find out about public sector contracts

30 June 2009

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Opportunities for public-sector work are advertised in a wide range of places, including government department websites and other places online, journals and newspapers. Some low-value contracts don't even need to be advertised at all.

Supply2.gov.uk

One of the best places to find public-sector contracts is Supply2.gov.uk. This is a government-backed service which brings together low value opportunities, typically those worth less than £100,000, for businesses to find out about and search for potential opportunities.

Suppliers can register to receive details of contract opportunities in their chosen local area for free, or the whole of England for £99. It also allows suppliers to register their details so that potential buyers within government can contact businesses directly when they are looking for a product or service.

Some government departments may advertise contracts on their own websites, however Supply2.gov.uk brings together all of these opportunities.

CompeteFor

CompeteFor is the chosen website for the publication of London 2012 Olympic Games-related contract opportunities. It acts as a brokerage service between buyers throughout the London 2012 supply chain, and potential suppliers. Registration is required.

Official Journal of the European Union

Contracts within the European Union (EU) worth more than the EU threshold - currently £90,319 for central government and £139,893 for all other public-sector bodies for services and supplies or £3,497,313 for works - must be advertised in the (OJEU). Some public-sector bodies choose to advertise lower-value contracts here too.

You can also find out about public-sector contracts located outside of the EU on the UK Trade & Investment website. Registration is required.

Tenders Electronic Daily (TED)

TED is an online supplement to the OJEU and can be accessed online, free of charge here.

Other sources

Contracts below the EU limits are sometimes advertised in the national, local or trade publications.
Many public-sector organisations - particularly local authorities - have approved lists of potential suppliers to tender for contracts below the EU limit. They must review these regularly to include new suppliers and check current suppliers are providing value for money.
There are also commercial outlets that charge a small fee to search for contracts for you. The FPB's adviser on public sector tendering, Millstream Associates, provides such a service at TendersDirect.co.uk.

Where to find out about public sector contracts

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