How to set up tender alerts and choose CPV codes

1. What a CPV code is

CPV stands for Common Procurement Vocabulary. It is a standard list of codes that describe what buyers are buying. Buyers put codes on their notices. You search and set alerts using the same codes.

Codes go from broad to specific. For example:

• Buyers should pick codes that match what they are buying, and use several if the contract covers several areas.
• Too broad: you get noise. Too narrow, or wrong: you miss the notice.
• Buyers do not always pick well. This is why you also search by keyword.

2. Choose your codes (30 minutes)

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   Step 1. Write down what you sell

   List your services in plain words. Three to five is enough. Example: service desk support, IT service management, AI adoption advice, software development.

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   Step 2. Find the matching codes

   • Open the Find a Tender search (opens in a new tab).
   • Use the CPV code filter or code list and search for your words.
   • Note the broad code (the "family") and two or three specific codes for each service.
   • Read a few live notices for your services. Write down the codes the buyers used. These are the codes that matter.
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   Step 3. Add neighbours

   Look at codes in adjacent areas you could also deliver. Buyers often file the same work under different codes.

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   Step 4. Make your list

   Keep one list in a document you can reuse in your G-Cloud description, your capability statement and your alerts.

3. Set up alerts on Find a Tender

You must be signed in with your GOV.UK One Login. If you have not registered, use the registration guide first.

• Go to Find a Tender and choose Notice Search.
• Enter keywords. A space between words usually finds notices with any of them. A plus sign (+) requires all of them. Try both.
• Add your CPV codes.
• Choose the notice type (see section 5).
• If you can, filter for suitability (for example, suitable for SMEs) and for your location.
• Save the search with a clear name, for example "Service desk, live tenders".
• Choose how often you want an email.
• Check your inbox after the first week. Too many results: narrow it. None: widen it.

Note: Find a Tender describes alerts for tenders of interest. Some of the exact screen wording comes from published user guides rather than the official site, so check each option on screen.

4. Set up alerts on Contracts Finder

• Go to Contracts Finder (opens in a new tab) and create a free account.
• Click the link in the confirmation email. Alerts do not start until you do.
• Run a search using CPV codes, region and value. Add keywords only to refine.
• Save the search with a clear name and switch on email alerts.
• Start with two or three codes and your region. Widen if you get nothing.

Contracts Finder and Find a Tender show different notices. Set up both. For Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, use Public Contracts Scotland, Sell2Wales and eTendersNI.

5. Which notices to watch

6. A starter set of four alerts

7. When an alert arrives: the 10-minute check

Open the notice itself. Do not rely on the alert email.

• Is it live? Check the status and the closing date.
• Can you bid? Check for lots, minimum turnover, insurance, certificates (such as Cyber Essentials), and whether you need a framework place.
• Is it your size? Check the contract value and the length.
• Does the buyer want what you sell? Read the specification, not just the title.
• Do you have a team and the time? Count the days to the deadline.
• Decide: bid, partner, or pass. Write the reason down. This is your bid or no-bid log.

8. Your weekly routine (10 minutes)

• Pick one day and time each week. Put it in your diary.
• Open the alert emails. Delete the clear misses.
• Check anything that looks possible using the 10-minute check.
• Once a month, review your codes. Which notices did you find that your codes missed? Add those codes.
• Once a month, check the awarded contracts for winners you could contact.

9. Common problems

10. Links