Procurement lifecycle · Stage one

Early Market Engagement

A pre-procurement phase where government and industry collaborate to shape requirements, share feedback and surface risk – before the formal process begins.

What is early market engagement?

Government early market engagement is a process of interacting with the market to gather information and feedback on potential solutions, prior to the formal procurement process.

It allows government to better understand the market and its capabilities, identify potential risks and issues, and refine the scope and requirements of the procurement before going out to tender.

Used well, it is a valuable tool for engaging the market proactively, building stronger relationships with potential suppliers, and developing a more strategic and effective procurement process.

What it lets you do

The outcome

A more competitive procurement, and a better result

Better value for money

Requirements shaped by what the market can actually deliver, rather than assumptions made in isolation.

Increased competition

A market that understands the opportunity early is a market that turns up to bid for it.

Reduced risk

For government and for suppliers – fewer surprises once the contract is signed.

Where it fits

The first of five stages

Early market engagement is where our procurement lifecycle begins. Engage us for this stage alone, or for the whole journey through to contract and supplier management.

Engage the market before you go to tender

We aim to respond to every enquiry within one business day.