Category: Bi Blog

The Procurement Act 2023 marks a significant evolution in public procurement across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Among its most impactful changes is the introduction of a new Noticing Regime: a structured, transparent framework that replaces previous fragmented approaches to procurement.

For suppliers already familiar with the public procurement landscape, this regime introduces greater predictability, clearer timelines and more consistent market signals. But it also creates new expectations – and opportunities – for how suppliers engage with upcoming work, navigate tender processes and stay informed throughout the contract lifecycle.

We have mapped out the key notices that guide the procurement process from pipeline planning to contract closure.

A cohesive framework for transparency

At the heart of the new regime are 17 distinct notice types, each assigned a UK identifier (UK1-UK17) with currently 14 of these forms live with the remaining 3 due to be launched by the Cabinet Office later this year. These notices are designed to provide structured, consistent communication across all procurement stages – from pipeline planning and market engagement to contract award and performance tracking.

This standardisation should be welcomed by suppliers. Rather than chasing inconsistent or delayed updates across different portals or frameworks, suppliers will now have a clearer view of when and where to expect key information – and how to act on it.

For clarity, we have grouped these notices into three distinct stages within our Business Intelligence platform:

• Early stage:
  • Pipeline notice: UK1
  • Pre-tender: UK2, UK3 & UK13
• Tender stage:
  • Live notices: UK4
  • Deadline passed: UK4
  • Deadline unknown: UK4
  • Procurement cancelled: UK12 (for notices only)
• Contract awarded:
  • Awards not started: UK5, UK6 & UK12 (for awards only)
  • Awards in progress: UK7 & UK10
  • Awards ended: UK11

From pipeline to procurement: building early awareness

The regime begins with three pre-tender notices that aim to give the market a forward view:

• UK1 – Pipeline Notice is now mandatory for contracting authorities spending over £100 million annually. Published between 1 April and 26 May, it outlines contracts (and dynamic markets) expected over the next 18 months with an estimated value above £2 million. For suppliers, this is the first and most critical point of visibility into future opportunities.
• UK2 – Preliminary Market Engagement Notice formalises early conversations between buyers and suppliers. It outlines how authorities intend to (or have already) engaged the market ahead of a formal tender. While previously optional, UK2 is now essential: where authorities conduct early engagement on above-threshold procurements, they must publish this notice – or explain why they have not.
• UK3 – Planned Procurement Notice is optional but strategic. If published 40 days to one year before a tender notice, it allows authorities to reduce tender periods to just 10 days. For suppliers, it signals that a live opportunity is imminent – and that fast mobilisation may be required.

The tendering core: Competing and awarding contracts

• Once an authority moves into formal competition, several notices come into play:
• The UK4 – Tender Notice launches the bidding process. For above-threshold procurements, the standard minimum tender window is 25 days, assuming electronic access and documentation are in place. Suppliers should treat the UK4 as the definitive go-live point of the procurement process.
• Where a contract is being directly awarded, whether due to legal justification or a failed open procedure, a UK5 – Transparency Notice is published instead. This ensures even non-competitive processes are documented and accessible to the market.
• Following selection, the UK6 – Contract Award Notice is published before a contract is signed. This is a key milestone for suppliers, as it triggers a standstill period (usually eight working days) during which unsuccessful bidders can raise challenges or request further detail.

Clarity after award: lifecycle and contract management notices

Post-award, the regime introduces greater transparency around contract performance and changes:

• The UK7 – Contract Details Notice must be published within 30 days of contract signing (or 120 days for light-touch regimes). For contracts over £5 million, a redacted version of the contract must also be published within 90 days.
• If any material change is made – such as to value, term, or scope – a UK10 – Contract Change Notice must be issued ahead of the modification. Again, if the revised contract exceeds £5 million, a redacted copy must be published.

When a contract ends, either at completion or termination, the UK11 – Contract Termination Notice must be published within 30 days. If the procurement ends without a contract being signed, a UK12 – Procurement Termination Notice is issued instead.

For suppliers, these notices are useful both for confirming closure and for monitoring competitors and repeat opportunities as they cycle through the public market.

Supporting innovation: notices for Dynamic Markets

A separate set of notices applies to Dynamic Markets – flexible systems allowing for rolling supplier participation. These include:

• UK13 – Intention Notice (market is planned)
• UK14 – Establishment Notice (market opens and lists initial suppliers)
• UK15 – Modification Notice (suppliers are added or removed)
• UK16 – Cessation Notice (market is formally closed)

While these may not apply to all suppliers, they offer agile routes to market, especially for IT, digital services or recurring low-value spend.

A strategic opportunity for suppliers

For established suppliers, the Noticing Regime is more than a bureaucratic exercise. It offers:

• Earlier visibility of high-value pipeline work
• Predictable tendering patterns aligned to notice sequencing
• New insight into contract modifications, performance and re-procurement cycles
• Greater ability to challenge or seek clarification through transparent award and standstill mechanisms

Understanding the new regime will help suppliers better plan business development efforts, resource bids more efficiently and engage with public buyers on stronger terms. Driven by innovative data, Tracker offers in-depth analysis of market trends, buyer behaviours and supplier interactions, delivering actionable intelligence to support your early engagement strategies.

We’re thrilled to announce the Beta launch of Market Insights, our powerful new data analytics tool designed to help you thrive in the ever-evolving world of public procurement. Available now as part of our newly rebranded DynamIQ and AnalytIQ plans (previously known as Classic and Complete), this Beta release marks the beginning of a smarter, more data-driven approach to market engagement.

Why Market Insights?

Here’s how the Beta version of Market Insights empowers your business:

• Strategic Partnership
  We serve as a dependable ally for businesses aiming to enhance their market analysis and growth potential without heavy resource commitments.
• Market Exploration
  Our unified platform consolidates comprehensive market intel, providing proactive insights that enable swift action in emerging growth markets.
• Holistic Market Analysis
  Knowledge is power. Benefit from solid analysis of market trends, buyer behaviours, and supplier dynamics tailored specifically for the public procurement sector.

Key Features

• Market List
  
  Unified Market Dashboard – Navigate with ease through a user-friendly dashboard that consolidates key insights into one accessible view.
  Resource Optimisation – Save time and effort by replacing extensive independent research with in-depth automated analysis.
  Streamlined Efficiency – Focus on growing your business, while we streamline the complex processes of market research for you.
  
• Market Analysis
  
  Competitive Edge – Get a snapshot of your competition and benchmark your standing in your chosen market segments.
  Stronger Market Position – Build winning strategies that speak directly to potential buyers and stand out in a crowded market.
  Influential Positioning – Reach decision-makers earlier with data-backed engagement, improving your visibility and influence.
  User-Centric Guidance – Receive tailored recommendations that guide your actions in each market, maximising returns while reducing risk. 
• Market Activity Comparison Over Time
  
  Actionable Growth Insights – Identify opportunities for growth and expansion through data-driven guidance that informs your business strategy.
  Scalable Growth – Discover and showcase opportunities for efficient and sustainable business scaling.
  Enhanced Decision-Making – Make confident, data-informed decisions that adapt to changes in public sector demand.

Available Now in DynamIQ and AnalytIQ

Your account has already been automatically upgraded to include Beta access to Market Insights access! Be among the first to explore its capabilities and help shape the final product. Click here to get started.

Want to upgrade?

Don’t have access yet? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to discuss how the Beta release of Market Insights could benefit your organisation and help you make the most of this powerful new tool.

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our powerful new API, now included in our Complete level package. This cutting-edge feature is designed to bring you greater control, flexibility, and automation in the way you access and use our procurement intelligence.

Key benefits of API integration

Our API integration transforms your workflows by breaking down data silos, automating repetitive tasks and enhancing the overall user experience. Here’s how:

1. Accelerated data workflow
   Experience lightning-fast data movement between applications, and ensure your team and partners have timely access to critical data.
2. Unlock cutting-edge automations
   Effortlessly connect your CRM, whether it’s Salesforce, Power BI, or others, with our contracts, awards and spend data through API integration. This capability allows for the construction of a real-time data pipeline.
3. Enhanced efficiency
   API integration equips you with the data you need directly within your familiar applications, significantly conserving time and resources.
4. Reduced risk of errors
   By leveraging API functionality, the need for manual data entry is minimised, substantially decreasing the likelihood of errors that occur with traditional copy-and-paste methods.

Already a Complete customer?

Your account has already been automatically upgraded to include API access! Simply click here to get started and begin unlocking new possibilities with your procurement data.

Want to upgrade?

If you’re not on the Complete package yet, there’s never been a better time to level up. Our team is ready to walk you through how the Tracker API can benefit your organisation.

Contact us today and we’ll be happy to discuss the details and help you make the most of this powerful new feature.

Introducing Spend Analysis Pro – Revolutionise Your Strategy with Data-Driven Analysis

We’re excited to announce that Spend Analysis Pro is now live! This powerful new feature is designed to give you deeper insights into buyer and supplier relationships, helping you make informed, strategic decisions with ease.

Why Spend Analysis Pro?

Understanding who your buyers and suppliers are – and how they interact – is key to unlocking new business opportunities. Spend Analysis Pro provides data-driven intelligence, helping you save time and resource and focus your energy on the opportunities that fit your business.

Revolutionary BRS Intelligence

Gain access to Business Relationship Scores (BRS) for both buyers and suppliers. This innovative feature allows you to instantly assess the strength of their connections, helping you focus your efforts on the best opportunities.

Buyer & Supplier Comparison

Compare the Top 10 Buyers or Top 10 Suppliers of any organisation over a 12-month period to get insight into spending patterns and trends and understand the data behind winning bids.

Multiple Buyer & Supplier View

Group similar buyers or suppliers into a single, holistic view to analyse their combined spend – cutting through the noise to give you a clearer picture of market activity and spending patterns to inform your strategy.

Live Contracts & Awards

Know where you focus your energy with a real-time view of current contract notices and awards from your chosen buyers. Plus, plan for future contract renewals to build a robust sales pipeline.

What’s Next?

If you’re already a Classic or Complete customer, your account has been automatically upgraded to Spend Analysis Pro – no extra steps required! Simply click here today to start exploring the new features and unlock valuable market insights.

Have questions or would like to upgrade? Our team is here to help. Get in touch and we’ll be happy to showcase Spend Analysis Pro in action for you.

The Procurement Act 2023: What Suppliers Need to Know

The Procurement Act 2023 replaces previous public sector procurement regulations. These changes will simplify the process for buyers, by increasing transparency, and creating a more competitive marketplace. Suppliers will have greater visibility of opportunities making it easier for them to work and engage with buyers in the public sector.

When Did the Changes Go Live?

The Procurement Act 2023 comes into effect on 24 February 2025. It is important for suppliers to familiarise themselves with the new procedures to ensure compliance.

What Do Suppliers Need to Do?

To make the most of the new procurement landscape, suppliers should:

• Register on the Central Digital Platform (CDP):The Government Commercial Function has released guidance on how to do this. The web page below contains how-to videos and documentation which explain the process.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/information-and-guidance-for-suppliers
• Engage Early with buyers
• Understand the new notice types

Key Changes Suppliers Should Know

The cabinet office has introduced several new notices under the Act that will improve transparency and engagement during the procurement process, including:

• Planned Procurement Notice: Allows buyers to signal upcoming opportunities before formal tendering begins, giving suppliers a head start.
• Preliminary Market Engagement Notice: Enables early conversations between buyers and suppliers to shape future procurements.
• Contract Award Notice: Provides clearer information on awarded contracts, ensuring transparency.
• Contract Termination Notice: Informs suppliers when a contract has ended early, offering potential opportunities for re-tendering.
• Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Notices: These highlight supplier performance on contracts, making performance a bigger factor in future tenders.

What Does This Mean for Tracker?

For now, it’s business as usual – our suppliers can continue using Tracker to identify and win public sector contracts. But looking ahead, Tracker will integrate our best features in line with the new regulations.