Contracts Finder

The UK government's platform for sub-threshold contract opportunities — what's published and how to use it.

3 min read

What Is Contracts Finder?

Contracts Finder is the UK government's free online service for publishing lower-value (sub-threshold) public contract opportunities. Managed by the Cabinet Office, it covers contracts from central government, local authorities, NHS trusts, and other public bodies across England.

Key Fact

Since 2015, all central government departments must publish contracts over £10,000 on Contracts Finder. Other public sector bodies must publish contracts over £30,000.

What Gets Published

Contracts Finder includes:

Open opportunities — live tenders you can bid on
Closed opportunities — past tenders (useful for market research)
Awarded contracts — who won, the value, and the supplier details
Pipeline notices — advance signals of upcoming procurement

Transparency Requirements

Procurement Policy Note 02/15 requires contracting authorities to publish both opportunity and award information on Contracts Finder. This transparency obligation means a significant volume of sub-threshold contracts are publicly visible — particularly valuable for SMEs looking for smaller, more accessible opportunities as a route into public sector work.