Guides
Guides for research and consulting firms
How public bodies buy research and consulting, where their tenders appear, and which notices to watch. Written for suppliers, from official sources.
How UK government buys research and evaluation
How UK public bodies buy research and evaluation: open tenders, frameworks, DPSs and quotes, who buys, where notices appear and typical sizes.
Early tender notices: pipeline, market engagement and planned procurement
UK1 pipeline, UK2 market engagement, UK3 planned procurement and prior information notices explained for suppliers: what they mean and how to use them.
How to set up free Find a Tender and Contracts Finder alerts
Set up free email alerts on Find a Tender and Contracts Finder step by step, see what free alerts miss, and when a paid tender alert service helps.
How to win government consulting contracts in the UK
How management and policy consultancies win UK government work: MCF4 and what follows, DPSs, direct tenders, small jobs and social value.
Procurement Act 2023 notices explained for suppliers
The Procurement Act 2023 notices UK1 to UK17 from a supplier's side, plus thresholds, the Central Digital Platform and what changed on 24 February 2025.
UK tender portals compared: Find a Tender, Contracts Finder, PCS, Sell2Wales and eTendersNI
The five UK tender portals compared: what each publishes, thresholds, cost, alerts, Quick Quotes and whether you need Contracts Finder or Find a Tender.
Winning council research and consultation work
How to find and win council research, survey, consultation and evaluation work: where councils publish, below-threshold quotes and what councils buy.
Frameworks and supplier lists for research and consulting
How frameworks, DPSs and dynamic markets work for UK research and consulting firms, which supplier lists matter now, and the dates to watch.
Public tender glossary for research and consulting firms
UK public tender terms in plain English, from ITT and RFQ to DPS and standstill, with links to the official guidance.