Preliminary market engagement

Before a procurement is finalised, a contracting authority may invite suppliers to events, questionnaires, information requests or one-to-one discussions. Under the Procurement Act 2023, its preliminary market engagement notice describes the subject, timing and process for that engagement.

Why a buyer uses it

PME can test whether the requirement is realistic, identify delivery models, understand supply-chain capacity and improve the specification. For a supplier, it is a chance to explain available solutions, constraints, lead times and useful outcome measures. Give factual, concise answers and distinguish an existing product from a suggested future development. If you share confidential information, mark it and ask how the authority will protect it.

Keep the procurement boundary clear

Taking part does not create a contract, guarantee a place on a shortlist or mean the authority must adopt your suggestion. The buyer must manage conflicts and avoid giving one participant an unfair advantage. Read the engagement notice for whether an answer is required, whether costs are reimbursed and how the eventual procurement will be advertised. For example, a council may ask suppliers how to measure retrofit performance before publishing a tender notice; your response can inform the specification, but you must still compete against the final published requirements. Monitor the relevant portal after engagement ends.