The UK government spends over £300 billion annually on goods and services. A substantial portion goes to IT — software, managed services, cloud, cybersecurity, and consultancy. Much of it is accessible to SMEs. This guide explains exactly how to find, track, and win public sector IT contracts.
The UK procurement landscape
UK public sector procurement is governed by the Procurement Act 2023. All contracting authorities — central government departments, NHS Trusts, local councils, universities, and more — are required to publish tender notices above certain financial thresholds on official procurement portals.
The four UK procurement portals
Tender data is spread across four official portals. You need visibility of all four to see the full picture.
The primary UK-wide portal for contracts above the procurement threshold (approximately £139,000). Replaced the old OJEU TED portal after Brexit. All major government IT contracts appear here.
The English portal for contracts of any value — including below-threshold contracts that do not appear on Find a Tender. Particularly useful for smaller IT contracts with councils and NHS bodies.
The portal for all Scottish public sector procurement. Key for any IT supplier targeting Scottish public sector work.
The Welsh government procurement portal. Often overlooked by English-based suppliers — representing a genuine opportunity.
Understanding CPV codes
CPV codes are 8-digit classification codes that categorise every procurement notice. Understanding them is essential for finding relevant IT contracts efficiently.
Framework agreements
Framework agreements allow suppliers to be pre-approved for a category of services. Buyers then purchase from approved suppliers without running a full tender. The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) operates the most important IT frameworks including G-Cloud, Digital Outcomes and Specialists, and Cyber Security Services.
Using contract expiry data
One of the most powerful techniques is identifying expiring contracts before the re-tender is published. Award notices include start and end dates — PSIP's Contract Expiry Tracker surfaces contracts expiring in the next 12 months, giving you time to research the buyer and build a relationship before the tender goes live.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main UK government procurement portals?
What is the difference between Find a Tender and Contracts Finder?
What is a CPV code in procurement?
How do framework agreements work in UK government procurement?
Can small businesses (SMEs) win UK government contracts?
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