Our tendering process

Types of tendering process

We mainly use two types of tendering process:

• Open tender when the tender document is made available to anyone interested in the tender opportunity.
• Restricted tender when everyone who's interested in a tender opportunity is asked to complete a supplier questionnaire. Only the organisations who are short-listed following receipt of the supplier questionnaire will be invited to tender.

We also use Frameworks and DPSs (Dynamic Purchasing System) for frequently purchased goods and services. Bidders can apply to join using a supplier questionnaire and self assess that they meet the contract minimum standards. If bidders are accepted onto the contract there is no guarantee of business, however they will then have opportunities to bid for contracts let within the Framework or DPS using mini competitions using template documentation for the Framework or DPS.

Market engagement and bidder events

We endeavour to undertake Market Engagement prior to tendering. Depending on the complexity and nature of the tender, we may also sometimes hold an open event during the tender process.

Register and create a unique identifier

From 1 April 2026, suppliers who are awarded a below-threshold contract must register on the Central Digital Platform. They must obtain a unique identifier as part of the contract award process.

This change is designed to make contract awards in the public sector more transparent.

Government have provided a guidance document for suppliers. This guide shows you how to register and create an identifier.

If you have registered before on the Central Digital Platform for a procurement, then you don't need to register again.

Key points:

• it does not take long to register
• you can still procure if you don't register (it is only needed by the successful bidder)
• you don't need to complete the further supplier information steps if you have registered

Contact the Cabinet Office if you're having issues with registering.