The Find a Tender Service (FTS) / FTS Guidance
The Find a Tender Service (FTS) is where you will find details of high-value contracts (usually over £118,000) that are being tendered by organisations across the UK.
This guide will walk you through the steps to apply for opportunities listed on FTS.
What is the Find a Tender Service (FTS)?
FTS is the UK’s e-notification service for public sector procurement. It replaced the requirement to publish notices in the Official Journal of the EU (OJEU) for UK-based opportunities after Brexit. All public sector bodies in the UK use FTS to advertise tenders that meet certain value thresholds.
Who Can Apply?
Any legitimate business, regardless of size, can apply for tenders advertised on FTS. The key is to demonstrate that you can meet the requirements of the contract.
Before you dive into applications, make sure you have the following in order:
- Understand the Tender Process: Familiarise yourself with common procurement terms and processes, such as Invitations to Tender (ITT), Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs), and framework agreements.
- Identify Your Strengths: Know what your business excels at and what types of contracts you’re best suited for.
- Company Information: Legal name, registration number, VAT number (if applicable), and contact details.
- Financial Information: Evidence of financial stability (e.g., last two years’ audited accounts, turnover figures).
- Insurance Details: Relevant insurance policies (e.g., public liability, professional indemnity).
- Policies and Procedures: Depending on the tender, you may need policies on modern slavery, environmental management, quality assurance, and health and safety.
- Case Studies/References: Examples of past work and client testimonials that demonstrate your capabilities.
- Accreditations/Certifications: Any industry-specific accreditations that are relevant to the tenders you’re pursuing.
How to Apply for Tenders on FTS
FTS is primarily a portal for finding tenders, not for submitting applications directly. Once you find a tender on FTS, the notice will direct you to the specific procurement portal or contact point where you need to submit your application.
Here’s the general process:
- Go to the Find a Tender Service website.
- Use the search filters to narrow down opportunities by keyword, sector, location, value, and more.
- Review the “Notice Type” to understand what stage the tender is at (e.g., Prior Information Notice, Contract Notice).
- Click on a tender that interests you.
- Carefully read the entire tender notice, paying close attention to:
- Description of the Contract: What goods or services are required?
- Contracting Authority: Which public sector body is issuing the tender?
- Estimated Value: What is the anticipated value of the contract?
- Deadline for Submission: This is crucial – do not miss it!
- Contact Information and Application Portal: Where to submit your bid (usually a link to a separate e-procurement platform).
- Most public sector organizations use their own e-procurement platforms (e.g., Jaggaer, Proactis, Atamis, BravoSolution).
- You will usually need to register as a supplier on this specific portal to access the full tender documents, ask questions, and submit your bid.
- Once registered, download all associated tender documents. These typically include:
- Invitation to Tender (ITT): The main document outlining the requirements.
- Specification: Detailed description of the goods or services.
- Terms and Conditions: The contractual terms.
- Pricing Schedule: Where you will provide your costings.
- Response Templates: Forms you need to complete.
- Read Everything Carefully: Ensure you understand every requirement.
- Answer All Questions: Provide clear, concise, and comprehensive answers.
- Address All Criteria: Make sure your bid directly addresses all evaluation criteria.
- Highlight Your Strengths: Show how your business is the best fit.
- Be Realistic with Pricing: Ensure your pricing is competitive yet sustainable.
- Proofread: Check for any errors or omissions.
- Follow the instructions on the e-procurement platform precisely.
- Submit well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues. Late submissions are always rejected.
- You may be invited to clarify aspects of your bid, attend interviews, or provide presentations.
- You will be notified of the outcome. If unsuccessful, seek feedback to help improve future bids.
Tips for Success
- Start Early: Do not leave applications until the last minute.
- Ask Questions: If anything in the tender documents is unclear, use the designated communication channel (usually through the e-procurement portal) to ask questions.
- Collaborate: If the tender is too large for your business alone, consider forming a consortium or partnership.
- Learn from Feedback: Use feedback from unsuccessful bids to refine your approach for future opportunities.
- Network: Build relationships with public sector buyers and other suppliers.
Applying for tenders can be a rewarding way to grow your business. By thoroughly preparing and meticulously following the instructions for each opportunity, you will significantly increase your chances of success.
Need further assistance?
If you have questions about specific tenders, please direct them to the contracting authority listed in the FTS notice. For general technical issues with the Find a Tender Service website, you can refer to the help section on the FTS portal.