Contracts Finder and Find a Tender are two popular platforms where businesses can find and apply for public sector contracts in the UK. They are both government-run services, but they have some key differences that potential bidders should know before deciding which platform to use.

Contracts Finder

Contracts Finder is the UK government’s online portal for finding public sector contracts. It was launched in 2011 and is managed by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS). Contracts Finder is intended to make it easier for businesses of all sizes to find and bid for public sector contracts.

One of the key features of Contracts Finder is that it is a free service. Businesses can use the platform to search for opportunities in a range of sectors, including construction, IT, and healthcare. Contracts Finder also includes tools to help bidders manage their bids, such as the ability to save searches and set up email alerts.

Another advantage of Contracts Finder is that it is used by over 3,500 public sector organizations, including local authorities, NHS trusts, and government departments. This means that businesses have access to a wide range of opportunities across the UK.

However, Contracts Finder does have some limitations. For example, while it includes contracts worth over £10,000, it does not include every contract available in the public sector. Additionally, some contracts may be advertised on other platforms, such as the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).

Find a Tender

Find a Tender is a relatively new platform that was launched in 2020. It was created in response to the UK leaving the European Union, which meant that UK businesses could no longer access public sector contracts through the OJEU.

Like Contracts Finder, Find a Tender is managed by the CCS and is a free service for businesses. It is designed to be a central platform for all public sector contract opportunities in the UK, regardless of their value.

One of the key advantages of Find a Tender is that it includes all contracts that are subject to the World Trade Organization’s Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). This means that businesses have access to more contract opportunities than they would on Contracts Finder alone.

Another benefit of Find a Tender is that it includes more detailed information about contracts than Contracts Finder. For example, bidders can see the estimated value of the contract, the deadline for submitting bids, and the criteria that will be used to assess bids.

However, as a new platform, Find a Tender is still being developed. Some bidders have reported technical issues with the platform, and it is not yet clear how many public sector organizations are using it to advertise contracts.

Choosing the right platform

When deciding which platform to use, businesses should consider a range of factors, including the sector they operate in, the value of the contracts they are bidding for, and the level of detail they need about each contract opportunity.

Contracts Finder is a well-established platform that has a wide range of opportunities in various sectors. It’s a good choice for businesses who are just starting out with public sector contracts and want to get a sense of the types of opportunities available.

Find a Tender is a newer platform that offers more detailed information about contracts and includes a wider range of opportunities. It’s a good choice for businesses that are looking to expand their public sector work and want to stay up-to-date with all available opportunities.

Ultimately, businesses should use both platforms to get a comprehensive view of public sector contracts in the UK. By using both Contracts Finder and Find a Tender, businesses can ensure that they are not missing out on any potential opportunities and can maximize their chances of winning contracts.