Public sector glossary
Simple no non-sense explanations of common public sector procurement terms and processes.
The process of using artificial intelligence to clean, match, and enrich public sector data for better insights and targeting.
Also known as ‘collective buying’. We bring together organisations with similar needs and run a single procurement to secure better prices from suppliers. It is most commonly used for services like water, gas, and electricity, or for technology products, but we can consider all opportunities.
Also known as ‘collective buying’. Bringing together multiple organisations with similar needs to run a single procurement and secure better prices.
A public announcement showing which supplier won a contract and under what terms.
A supplier’s formal offer in response to a tender. It outlines price, delivery timeline, and technical capabilities.
A public sector organisation that procures goods or services from suppliers.
Ensuring all procurement processes meet government regulations and legal requirements.
The stage in procurement when a public sector organisation officially selects the winning supplier.
An announcement published on procurement portals (like Find a Tender) that informs suppliers about a new opportunity.
A flexible framework allowing new suppliers to join at any time, unlike traditional frameworks that are closed after setup.
A long-term contract between one or more buyers and suppliers that defines terms (like pricing) for future purchases, without committing to a specific quantity upfront.
When public sector buyers interact with suppliers before launching a tender, to understand market capabilities and shape future opportunities.
A list or forecast of upcoming tenders and procurement opportunities in the public sector.
The process by which public sector organisations buy goods and services from suppliers. It usually follows strict rules to ensure transparency and fairness.
Government departments, local councils, health services, education bodies, and other publicly funded institutions that purchase goods and services.
A document issued by a public body inviting suppliers to propose how they would meet a specific need, often including technical and financial details.
Information on how public sector organisations allocate and use their budgets — valuable for understanding buying behaviour.
A business or organisation providing goods or services to the public sector.
A formal invitation for suppliers to submit bids for delivering specific goods or services to a public organisation.
A key principle in public procurement — ensuring all stages are open, fair, and properly documented.