PPN 09/21: Requirements to publish on Contracts Finder · first published 30 November 2021
Contracts Finder is the UK government's free portal where public-sector buyers must advertise contract opportunities and awards. PPN 09/21 reminds in-scope organisations (central government departments, agencies, and related bodies, plus NHS Foundation Trusts) of their legal duty to publish procurement information there. The note replaces PPN 07/21 but makes no changes to the underlying publication rules for most contracting authorities — its main purpose is to clarify the position for NHS Foundation Trusts. For small businesses, the practical implication is unchanged: Contracts Finder remains a key place to find and monitor public-sector opportunities.
WHO THIS APPLIES TO
THE ENKII VIEW
Because buyers are required to publish on Contracts Finder, this is a reliable, free discovery channel for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) — the policy reinforces that it should be comprehensive. The only substantive change is the NHS Foundation Trust clarification, which may mean more NHS opportunities now appear on the portal. There is no new burden or requirement placed on suppliers.
1. Set up a free Contracts Finder account and configure email alerts for your relevant keywords, sectors, and regions — buyers are required to publish here, so it is a comprehensive source of opportunities.
All SMEs bidding for public contracts — The policy reconfirms that in-scope organisations must publish procurement information on Contracts Finder, making it a reliable discovery tool for suppliers.
2. Check Contracts Finder specifically for NHS Foundation Trust opportunities — the clarification in this PPN may result in more NHS Foundation Trust contracts now appearing on the portal.
SMEs supplying NHS services — PPN 09/21 clarifies publication requirements on NHS Foundation Trusts, which could increase the volume of NHS opportunities visible on Contracts Finder.
Every rule below quotes the official document verbatim.
The PPN reminds in-scope organisations of their requirements to publish procurement information on Contracts Finder. (In-scope organisations (central government departments, agencies, NDPBs, NHS Foundation Trusts))
“This Procurement Policy Note (PPN) reminds in-scope organisations of the requirements to publish procurement information on Contracts Finder.”
PPN 09/21 replaces PPN 07/21 and clarifies requirements specifically for NHS Foundation Trusts. (NHS Foundation Trusts)
“The PPN and associated guidance replaces PPN 07/21 and clarifies requirements on NHS Foundation Trusts.”
There is no change to publication requirements for contracting authorities other than NHS Foundation Trusts. (All in-scope contracting authorities except NHS Foundation Trusts)
“There is no change to the publication requirements for other contracting authorities that were set out in PPN 07/21.”
This briefing is enkii's interpretation of the official document — the official text always governs.
Source document © Crown copyright, reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0 via the GOV.UK Content API. enkii tracks every Procurement Policy Note and briefs changes the day they land — see all briefings.