Why does the procurement regime matter?
The Cabinet Office guidance updated 17 August 2026 distinguishes the Act's pre-contract award notice from notices under the previous legislation. Where applicable, publication triggers standstill; exceptions and different procurement types need review. Do not apply that meaning automatically to an Australian tender, an older UK procurement or a private contract.
Tender Glossary is independent and is not affiliated with the Cabinet Office. This article is not legal advice. The procurement and legal owners determine applicability, notice treatment, actual dates and any challenge or suspension.
Sources: UK Cabinet Office: Contract Award Notices and Standstill guidance, updated 17 August 2026
Which events should the register separate?
Use actual published references rather than a dashboard label saying awarded. Keep an intention, a waiting period and a legally effective agreement distinct. A mobilisation plan is not evidence that contract entry is permitted.
| Field | Evidence | Review |
|---|---|---|
| Regime | Applicable framework and procurement type | Confirm transition and exceptions |
| Assessment | Required summary and issue reference | Separate from public notice |
| Notice | Exact notice type and publication time | Read its actual function |
| Standstill | Applicable basis, duration and extensions | Obtain a reviewed calendar |
| Contract entry | Authorised actual event and evidence | Do not infer from intention |
| Later notice | Relevant contract details publication | Keep notice types distinct |
How can a label conceal the actual status?
Illustrative example. A fictional engineering tender dashboard changes to awarded when an intention notice is published. The authority's reviewed file still shows an applicable standstill in progress and no authorised contract-entry event. The bid coordinator records intention published and contract entry not yet confirmed rather than treating awarded as permission to start.
This is a status-reconciliation example, not a deadline calculator. The guidance describes a minimum eight-working-day standstill where required and explains exceptions and longer periods. Legal owners must confirm the actual applicable calendar, all relevant holidays and any extension or suspension before relying on a date.
Sources: UK Cabinet Office: Contract Award Notices and Standstill guidance, updated 17 August 2026
What should the bidder do with a provisional start plan?
Keep resource planning conditional on the authorised contractual and site-readiness process. Ask the designated procurement contact for clarification through the permitted channel if the milestone references conflict. Do not treat silence as approval to sign or begin work.
Preserve the published notice, assessment references and actual authorised outcome. A completed standstill alone does not prove that a contract was entered into immediately afterwards.
Common questions
What else should the bid team know?
Does the Act's award notice itself prove contract entry?
No. Its stated function is to announce an intention to enter into the contract.
Does every procurement have the same standstill?
No. Confirm the applicable regime, procurement type and exceptions.
Can this example supply a signing deadline?
No. Obtain the actual reviewed calendar and legal determination.