New to tendering
Start Here
Core explanations for anyone encountering tenders for the first time: what they are, who buys, and how the process runs end to end.
Guides in this hub
definition
What Is an Invitation to Tender (ITT)?
An invitation to tender (ITT) is the formal document a buyer issues to shortlisted or open-market suppliers, setting out the requirement, the contract terms, the evaluation criteria and the exact response format needed to submit a compliant bid.
comparison
ITT vs RFP vs RFQ
An ITT asks for a priced, compliant offer against a defined requirement. An RFP asks suppliers to propose a solution as well as a price. An RFQ asks only for pricing on a clearly specified, usually low-value purchase.
guide
Find a Tender Service Explained
Find a Tender (FTS) is the UK government service publishing higher-value public procurement notices. Contracts Finder carries lower-value opportunities and contract awards, so most suppliers need to monitor both.