What is a Pipeline Notice?

A UK1 notice, also known as a Pipeline Notice, is a forward-looking publication outlining the details of a single procurement planned to take place within the next 18 months. To view a contracting authority’s complete procurement pipeline, you need to search for all UK1 notices published by them that year.

  • Mandatory publications: Large contracting authorities, typically those with annual spends of over £100 million, are required to publish Pipeline Notices for procurements with estimated values of over £2 million (inclusive of VAT).
  • Voluntary publications: Contracting authorities with annual spend below £100 million, and planned procurements with values less than £2 million, can voluntarily publish Pipeline Notices. Pipeline Notices benefit suppliers, particularly SMEs, and therefore voluntary publication of UK1 notices is encouraged.

UK1 notices typically include:

  • Contracting authority details
  • Title of the procurement
  • Procurement reference
  • Contract subject-matter
  • Estimated date when the notice will be published
  • Optional information such as contract value and sourcing method

When are Pipeline Notices Published?

UK1 Notices must first be published between April and May each year, and then maintained thereafter.

  • Annual Requirement: Pipeline Notices must be published at the start of the financial year, with contracting authorities having a 56-day window – 1 April to 26 May – to publish notices for each applicable procurement.
  • Planning Updates: After the initial publication, it is recommended that authorities ensure their UK1 notices remain up-to-date, with a requirement for at least one annual review. Suppliers should be aware that these notices can be amended and even republished.

How can Suppliers use Pipeline Notices?

Pipeline Notices are a valuable resource for your business, allowing you to proactively engage with buyers and plan your bidding strategy.

  • Build your own pipeline: UK1 Notices let you know about upcoming contracts early, allowing you to identify opportunities aligned with your capabilities and priorities. This information can be used to support forecasting and help you build a pipeline of activity for the year.
  • Research and Preparation: With detailed procurement information readily available, you can improve your chances of success by using it to prepare. The details within a Pipeline Notice allow you to research the market, explore solutions, and create bid plans prior to a tender being published.
  • Pre-engagement: Get a competitive edge by contacting buyers to discuss their procurement needs or seek opportunities to participate in pre-market activity. Being proactive might allow your business to shape the direction of procurements, or give you access to insights which will help you create a winning proposal.

By actively using Pipeline Notices to stay ahead of the curve, you can radically improve your chances of tendering success.

Why are Pipeline Notices used?

Under the UK’s Procurement Act 2023, pipeline notices were introduced to enhance transparency and broaden market access for suppliers – particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises (VCSEs).

  • Empowers SMEs and VCSEs: Smaller businesses are often at a disadvantage when tendering against larger companies, but with Pipeline Notices they can plan ahead and participate more competitively.
  • Supports Market Innovation: With clearer insights into upcoming work, suppliers are encouraged to come forward with innovative ideas and collaborative solutions.
  • Opens up the market: Greater transparency and awareness of opportunities help to open the market to new entrants, creating a more competitive and diverse market.