The Central Digital Platform for Procurement
Navigating the world of public procurement can be daunting, especially for small businesses. But with the UK government’s new Central Digital Platform (CDP), the process has become more streamlined and accessible. Here’s what you need to know to get started and succeed.
What Is the Central Digital Platform?
The CDP is the UK government’s new unified system for public procurement, launched on 24 February 2025 as part of the Procurement Act 2023 reforms. It replaces fragmented systems with a single, transparent platform—Find a Tender—where all regulated procurement notices are published.
Why It Matters for Suppliers
The CDP is designed to:
Simplify access to public sector opportunities.
Standardise supplier information across tenders.
Increase transparency through lifecycle notices.
Enable data-driven procurement through analytics dashboards.
What You Must Do to Be Eligible
Before bidding, suppliers must:
Register on the CDP via https://www.gov.uk/find-tender.
Upload core supplier information, including:
Basic company details and SME classification
Economic and financial standing
Connected persons
Exclusion grounds (e.g. criminal convictions, conflicts of interest)
This information can then be reused across multiple tenders, either by sharing a code or attaching a PDF copy.
How to Submit a Bid
Many tenders now require submission through integrated portals. Suppliers are typically instructed to:
Submit bids via the specified portal.
Use the helpdesk for technical issues.
Avoid last-minute submissions to prevent disqualification due to technical failures.
Key Notices to Watch For
The CDP issues 17 types of notices across the procurement lifecycle. The most important for suppliers include:
Pipeline Notice (UK1): Signals upcoming opportunities.
Tender Notice (UK4): Announces open tenders.
Contract Award Notice (UK6): Discloses awarded contracts.
Understanding these notices helps suppliers track opportunities and outcomes more effectively.
Tips for Success
Keep your supplier profile up to date—especially financials and exclusion grounds.
Familiarise yourself with the platform’s interface and help resources.
Monitor notices regularly to stay ahead of opportunities.
Use the share code feature to streamline submissions.