Tender Notice

A formal public announcement inviting suppliers to submit bids for a procurement opportunity, published to ensure transparency and competition in line with procurement regulations.

What it is

A tender notice is the official public announcement that initiates a competitive procurement process. It serves as the first formal communication between a contracting authority and the supply market, alerting potential suppliers to an upcoming opportunity and inviting them to participate.

Legal requirements

Under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, contracting authorities must publish tender notices for procurements above certain thresholds. The notice must be published on Find a Tender (the UK's official procurement portal) and may also appear on Contracts Finder for lower-value opportunities. The notice must remain published for the entire duration of the procurement process.

Essential information

A compliant tender notice must include: - Clear description of the goods, services or works required - Estimated contract value and duration - Procurement procedure being used (open, restricted, competitive dialogue, etc.) - Submission deadline and evaluation criteria - Contact details for further information - Any specific qualification requirements

Strategic importance

The tender notice shapes the entire procurement by defining scope, timescales and participation criteria. A well-crafted notice attracts suitable suppliers whilst deterring those unlikely to meet requirements, improving the quality of submissions received. Poor notices can lead to unsuitable bids, legal challenges, or insufficient competition.

Timing considerations

Minimum publication periods apply depending on the procedure used - typically 30 days for open procedures and 30 days for the first stage of restricted procedures. These periods ensure suppliers have adequate time to prepare quality responses.