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2026-11-06T23:17:01Z

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{{short description|'''UK government service publishing public procurement opportunities and contract awards'''}}
{{Infobox organization
| name = Contracts Finder
| logo =
| type = Government procurement information service<ref name="CFService">Contracts Finder, [https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Search Find a contract] ''GOV.UK'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>
| founded = {{Start date|2011|02|11}}<ref name="CFLaunch">Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street, [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-launches-contracts-finder PM launches Contracts Finder] ''GOV.UK'', 11 February 2011, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>
| services = Publication and searching of procurement opportunities and awards<ref name="CFService" />
}}

'''Contracts Finder''' is a UK government online service for publishing and searching procurement opportunities, future requirements and awarded contracts. It provides information about government buyers, suppliers and contract values, and allows searches without creating an account.<ref name="CFAbout">UK Government, [https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder Contracts Finder] ''GOV.UK'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref><ref name="CFGuidance">Cabinet Office, [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ppn-019-requirements-to-publish-on-contracts-finder/guidance-on-the-transparency-requirements-for-publishing-on-contracts-finder Guidance on the transparency requirements for publishing on Contracts Finder] ''GOV.UK'', updated 31 March 2025, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>

The service was launched on 11 February 2011 as part of a government programme intended to widen access to public contracts for small and medium-sized enterprises. Its present search site dates from 26 February 2015 and directs users to a separate archive for earlier material.<ref name="CFLaunch" /><ref name="CFService" />

Its role changed with the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023 on 24 February 2025. New procurements under that Act use [[Find a Tender]], while Contracts Finder retains publication requirements for relevant procurements commenced under the previous regime.<ref name="CFGuidance" />

== Launch and development ==
The February 2011 launch announcement described a tool displaying central-government procurement opportunities, tender documents and contracts worth more than £10,000. [[David Cameron]] presented it as part of efforts to remove obstacles to small-business participation and make procurement more open and competitive.<ref name="CFLaunch" />

The service's search page states that contract information posted before 26 February 2015 does not appear on the current site. It provides a link to the 2011–2015 archive, rather than treating that material as part of the current search database.<ref name="CFService" />

== Administration ==
The service's terms and conditions identify [[Crown Commercial Service]] (CCS), part of the [[Cabinet Office]], as managing Contracts Finder and [[Find a Tender]] on behalf of the Crown. However, the CCS organisation page on GOV.UK states that CCS has been replaced by the [[Government Commercial Agency]].<ref name="CFTerms">Contracts Finder, [https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Home/TermsAndConditions Terms and conditions] ''GOV.UK'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref><ref name="CFCCS">Crown Commercial Service, [https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/crown-commercial-service Crown Commercial Service] ''GOV.UK'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>

== Publication requirements and the 2025 transition ==
[[Cabinet Office]] guidance distinguishes procurements commenced before 24 February 2025 under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 from new procurements under the Procurement Act 2023. Contracts Finder requirements continue for relevant earlier procurements, including awards under framework agreements established under the previous regulations.<ref name="CFGuidance" />

For in-scope below-threshold procurements under the earlier regime, publication applies at £12,000 including VAT for central-government authorities and £30,000 including VAT for sub-central authorities, [[National Health Service|NHS]] trusts and foundation trusts. The guidance contains exemptions, including authorities exercising wholly or mainly devolved functions and maintained schools, academies and sixth-form college corporations.<ref name="CFGuidance" />

Award information includes the successful contractor's full company name, the award date, total contract value and whether the supplier is a small or medium-sized enterprise or voluntary, community or social enterprise. Awards not openly competed can also require publication; a published award notice should not therefore be taken as evidence that open competition occurred.<ref name="CFGuidance" />

== Access and limitations ==
Users can search opportunities, future requirements and previous contracts without an account; accounts provide saved searches and email updates. The service's terms do not guarantee that published information is current, accurate or complete.<ref name="CFAbout" /><ref name="CFTerms" />

== See also ==
* [[Cabinet Office]]
* [[Crown Commercial Service]]
* [[Government Commercial Agency]]
* [[Find a Tender]]

== Notes ==
<references/>

[[Category:Cabinet Office (United Kingdom)]]
[[Category:Government programmes in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Internet]]

Contracts Finder - Revision history

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