Public Procurement Portals Demystified

Entering the world of public sector procurement in the UK can feel overwhelming for businesses new to the process. However, the public sector presents lucrative opportunities, and understanding how to navigate procurement portals is key to success. We've wrote this guide to introduce you to the main platforms used for public procurement across the UK, explaining how they work and how suppliers can get started.

So many portals, so little time!

Why do I need to use these Procurement Portals?

These Procurement portals serve as the digital marketplaces where the UK public sector publishes their contract opportunities. These portals enable suppliers to search for tenders, upload and submit their responses and can be used to manage contracts post award.

Public Procurement Portals can open up new areas for your business

Key UK Procurement Portals

Central Digital Platform

We should note that from 24th February 2025 - SRS, FTS and CF will be combined into the new "Central Digital Platform" and more info can be found here - Factsheet

1. Supplier Registration Service (SRS)

• Helps suppliers register and showcase their business to over 6,000 government buyers.

• SRS lets buyers ask suppliers questions to assess their suitability for public sector contracts.

• Available at: Supplier Registration Service

• Uses the same account details for Find a Tender Service and Contracts Finder (2 and 3 below.)

  
  

2. Find a Tender Service (FTS)

• Used for "high-value" public sector contracts in the UK, replacing the EU’s Tenders Electronic Daily (TED) after Brexit.

• Covers contracts above £139,688 (including VAT).

• Available at: Find a Tender

  
  

3. Contracts Finder (CF)

• Lists contracts below the "high-value" threshold and starts at contracts worth over £12,000 (including VAT)

• A great starting point for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

• Available at: Contracts Finder

  
  

4. Proactis (ProContract)

• A widely used eProcurement platform that helps suppliers register and access tender opportunities across various public sector organisations.

• Developed the Public Contract Scotland and Sell2Wales Portals (below)

• Individual Logins normally used by the various Portals developed for the Buyers (e.g. The Chest - North West England buyers) and links to the ProContract central platform.

  
  

5. BravoSolution (Jaggaer)

• An eSourcing platform used by various UK Public Sector Organisations.

• Helps suppliers manage procurement processes from tendering to contract execution.

• Available at: BravoSolution.

  
  

6. Delta eSourcing

• An eSourcing platform used by various UK Public Sector Organisations.

• Helps suppliers manage procurement processes from tendering to contract execution.

• Available at: Delta

  
  

7. In-tend

• Procurement Software used by various UK Public Sector Organisations

• Helps suppliers manage procurement processes from tendering to contract management.

• Available at: In-tend

  
  

8. Sell2Wales & eTender Wales

• The Welsh Government’s official procurement portals for public sector contracts.

• Sell2Wales - Allows suppliers to search for contracts and receive notifications on relevant opportunities. Available at: Sell 2Wales

• eTender Wales - Used by Welsh Public Bodies to manage their tender processes. Available at: eTenderWales

  
  

9. Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) & Public Contracts Scotland - Tender (PCS-T)

• The Scottish Government’s official procurement portals for public sector contracts.

• PCS - Allows suppliers to search for contracts and receive notifications on relevant opportunities. Also used to upload simpler bid response packs and clarifications published in a "notice board format". Available at: Public Contracts Scotland

• PCS-T - Used for more complicated response templates including separate Quality, Technical and Commercial Envelopes. Available at: Public Contracts Scotland - Tender

10. eTendersNI

• The Northern Irish Government’s official procurement portal for public sector contracts.

• Uses a "Call for Tenders (CfT)" to advertise opportunities and responses

• Available at eTendersNI

11. Crown Commercial Service (CCS)

• Crown Commercial Service provide over 100 agreements for public sector buyers across Corporate, Estates and Technology sectors. These include key frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems such as

  • G Cloud 14

  • Vertical Application Solutions (VAS)

  • Digital Outcomes 6

  • Digital Specialists and Programmes (DSP)

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • Construction Works and Associated Services

• Available at: Crown Commercial Service

  
  

Getting Started as a Supplier

Get on that starting line!

1. Register on Relevant Portals – Identify which portals are most relevant to your industry and register your business. For the majority of UK businesses, the Central Digital Platform will be your key portal after the 24th February 2025.

2. Set Up Alerts – Enable notifications to receive tender opportunities that match your business profile.

3. Prepare Documentation – Gather necessary documents such as company financials, insurance, and compliance certifications.

4. Understand Tender Requirements – Carefully read tender specifications and respond with detailed, tailored proposals.

5. Seek Support if Needed – Many portals offer training, webinars, and support services for suppliers new to the process.

   
   

   

   Feel a bit more enlightened?

   
   

Final Thoughts

Winning UK public sector contracts requires persistence and an understanding of how the various procurement portals work. By registering on the right platforms, staying informed and knowing how to use these portals, your business will be best placed to identify opportunities right for you and drive growth!

If you need any help, Princeps can help you navigate these portals and be your guide in an unfamiliar land. We always Put You First!