Contracts Finder
UK government service publishing public procurement opportunities and contract awards
| Contracts Finder
| |
|---|---|
| Type | Government procurement information service[1] |
| Founded | 11 February 2011[2] |
| Services | Publication and searching of procurement opportunities and awards[1] |
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.[3][4]
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.[2][1]
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.[4]
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.[2]
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.[1]
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 However, the CCS organisation page on GOV.UK states that CCS has been replaced by the Government Commercial Agency.[5][6]
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.[4]
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, 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.[4]
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.[4]
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.[3][5]
See also
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Contracts Finder, Find a contract GOV.UK, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street, PM launches Contracts Finder GOV.UK, 11 February 2011, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 UK Government, Contracts Finder GOV.UK, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Cabinet Office, Guidance on the transparency requirements for publishing on Contracts Finder GOV.UK, updated 31 March 2025, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Contracts Finder, Terms and conditions GOV.UK, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ Crown Commercial Service, Crown Commercial Service GOV.UK, accessed 6 November 2026.