Tender notice types explained: what each one means for a supplier
Under the Procurement Act 2023, buyers publish a series of notices on Find a Tender as a procurement moves along. Most suppliers only look for the tender notice, by which point the deadline is already running. The earlier notices tell you what's coming, sometimes months ahead. Here's what the main notice types mean for you, in the order you'll usually see them, and what to do when you spot one.
UK1: pipeline notice
What it is. Find a Tender describes it as a notice about potential future contracts and dynamic markets. Under section 93 of the Act, a buyer that expects to spend more than £100 million in the coming financial year must publish one within 56 days of the start of that year. It lists the contracts over £2 million it plans to tender in the next 18 months. Find a Tender says it must be published between 1 April and 26 May, and buyers can also use it for smaller or later contracts.
What to do. Read the pipeline notices of the buyers you want to work for each spring. Note any contract you could deliver, and when it's expected.
UK2: preliminary market engagement notice
What it is. Before a tender, a buyer can talk to suppliers to shape what it buys (section 16). Find a Tender says that if it does that for an above-threshold contract, it must publish a preliminary market engagement notice before the tender notice, or give its reasons in the tender notice (section 17). GOV.UK's guidance says the notice may invite suppliers to take part, or say that engagement has already happened. Formats can include webinars, workshops, site visits and one-to-one meetings.
What to do. Take part if you can. It's your chance to tell the buyer what a business your size can deliver, for example if the contract could be split into lots. Section 18 says buyers must consider lots and give reasons if they don't use them.
UK3: planned procurement notice
What it is. Early notice that a competitive tender is coming. Find a Tender says that if it's published between 40 days and 1 year before the linked tender notice, it can cut the minimum tendering period for an above-threshold contract to 10 days.
What to do. Start getting ready now, because the tender may give you less time than usual. Check your Central Digital Platform record and share code are up to date. See how to register on the Central Digital Platform.
UK4: tender notice
What it is. The advert for tenders or requests to take part, using the open procedure or the competitive flexible procedure. Find a Tender says it's also used when setting up a framework or using a dynamic market, but not for awards under a framework. Above threshold, the normal minimum tendering period is 25 days, if you can submit electronically and all the tender documents come with the notice.
What to do. Run a quick check before you write anything. Our bid or no bid checklist covers the pass or fail conditions, fit and odds.
After the tender
- UK6 contract award notice. Published after the buyer decides who wins and before the contract is signed. Where a standstill period applies, the notice starts it: at least 8 working days before the contract can be signed.
- UK7 contract details notice. Published after the contract is signed. Useful for seeing who won and at what value.
Dynamic market notices
Dynamic markets have their own notices. A UK13 dynamic market intention notice says suppliers can apply to join before the market opens. A UK14 establishment notice says buyers can now use it, and further suppliers can still apply.
How to catch the early notices
Set up saved searches on Find a Tender for your buyers and your type of work, and include pipeline, engagement and planned procurement notices, not just tenders. Our guides show how to use Find a Tender and how to set up free tender alerts. If sorting the alerts takes too long, compare free alerts with a done-for-you shortlist.
Procurements that started under the older rules still use the older notice types. Notices for procurements still under the 2015 rules move off Contracts Finder from 1 May 2027 (SI 2026/746).
Questions
What is the difference between a planned procurement notice and a tender notice?
A planned procurement notice gives early warning that a tender is coming. The tender notice is the actual advert you respond to. A planned procurement notice published between 40 days and 1 year before the tender notice can cut the minimum tendering period to 10 days.
Do I have to respond to a preliminary market engagement notice?
No. It's optional, but taking part lets you tell the buyer what a business your size can deliver before the tender is written.
Where are tender notices published?
On Find a Tender, which is part of the Central Digital Platform. Searching it is free.
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Sources
- Find a Tender: notice types (read 31 October 2026)
- GOV.UK: The Procurement Act 2023, a short guide for suppliers (read 31 October 2026)
- Procurement Act 2023, section 16, section 17, section 18 and section 93 (read 31 October 2026)
- GOV.UK: Guidance: Preliminary Market Engagement (read 31 October 2026)
- GOV.UK: Guidance: Pipeline Notice (read 31 October 2026)
- The Procurement (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026, SI 2026/746 (read 31 October 2026)
This guide summarises the official sources above. It isn't legal advice. Check the notice and tender documents for each contract.
Written with AI assistance by the Your Evenings team at Your Evenings Ltd. Last updated 31 October 2026.