Bid/no-bid
The decision to pursue an opportunity or leave it. Assess eligibility, delivery capacity, evidence, cost and commercial fit before committing response time. A relevance score can inform the review but does not replace the decision.
Resources / Glossary
Procurement Glossary
A compact reference for the language in notices, tender packs and bid decisions.
17 terms
B
C
Call-off contract
A specific contract awarded using a framework. The framework establishes the route and terms; the call-off sets the particular requirement. A call-off may involve competition or another permitted selection method under that framework.
Conditions of participation
Under the Procurement Act, conditions used to assess a supplier’s legal and financial capacity or technical ability to perform the contract. They assess the supplier; award criteria assess its tender. Check the buyer’s stated requirements and evidence.
Contract award notice
Under the Procurement Act 2023, a notice of intention to enter a contract, published before signing and starting standstill where it applies. Under earlier legislation, an award notice generally reported a contract already entered into. Check the notice type and regime before interpreting award data.
Contract details notice
Under the Procurement Act, a notice reporting that a contract has been entered into. It is different from the pre-contract award notice. Requirements and exemptions depend on the procurement; read the original notice rather than assuming an award date is a start date.
CPV — Common Procurement Vocabulary
A classification of the goods, works and services a buyer purchases. The main code has eight digits, with a check digit often shown after a hyphen. Broad divisions and more specific descriptions help you search, but a code does not establish eligibility or guarantee relevance.
D
DPS — Dynamic Purchasing System
An electronic purchasing arrangement that stays open to qualifying suppliers. DPS terminology remains relevant in Scotland and to procurements continuing under previous rules. It should not be treated as another name for a dynamic market under the Procurement Act.
Dynamic market
Under the Procurement Act, a list of suppliers that meet membership conditions and can compete for relevant contracts. It remains open to new qualifying suppliers. Joining is not a contract award and does not guarantee work.
F
Framework agreement
An arrangement establishing suppliers and terms for later contracts, often called call-offs. The Procurement Act uses the term framework and also provides for open frameworks. Membership does not usually guarantee work. Check the scope, joining rules and call-off procedure.
I
ITT — Invitation to Tender
The invitation and instructions for submitting a tender, normally accompanied by requirements, evaluation criteria and contract terms. Follow the buyer’s response format and submission route; a summary in another tool does not replace the tender pack.
M
MAT — Most Advantageous Tender
The tender selected against the published award criteria under the Procurement Act. It is not simply the lowest price. Previous regimes commonly use the term most economically advantageous tender (MEAT); the terminology depends on the applicable rules.
P
PQQ — Pre-Qualification Questionnaire
A questionnaire used to assess supplier suitability before inviting tenders in some procedures. The name is still encountered in older procurements and Scottish systems. It is not a universal mandatory form under the Procurement Act; follow the actual selection and participation requirements.
Preliminary market engagement
Buyer engagement before a competition, used to understand the market and develop the procurement. It may include a consultation or supplier session. Attending does not guarantee a contract, preferential treatment or a later invitation to bid.
Procurement Act 2023
The regime applying to new covered procurements commenced from 24 February 2025 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with exceptions and jurisdiction-specific rules. Devolved Scottish procurement generally follows separate legislation. Earlier procurements and contracts can continue under transitional rules.
S
Social value
Outcomes a buyer considers alongside the core purchase, under the policy and rules that apply to that procurement. The current central government Social Value Model focuses on jobs, skills and opportunities. Do not assume the same model, percentage or evidence applies to every UK contract.
Standstill period
A pause before a contract is entered into, allowing suppliers to consider or challenge the award decision. Where mandatory under the Procurement Act, the minimum is eight working days beginning with publication of the contract award notice. Exemptions and other regimes differ; check the applicable rules and actual deadline.
T
Tender notice
A published invitation to compete for a contract. Under the Procurement Act it advertises a competitive procurement and provides key details. Read the associated documents, amendments, deadlines and submission instructions before deciding whether to respond.
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Sources and review
Original TenderSNAP explanations, reviewed 22 October 2026 against the official sources linked with each entry. This is a practical reference, not advice on a particular procurement. Transitional guidance explains why earlier rules can still apply.