Central Digital Platform
The PA 2023 unified portal for publishing UK procurement notices; absorbs Find a Tender into a wider notice ecosystem.
Definition
The Central Digital Platform is the unified portal introduced by the Procurement Act 2023 for publishing UK procurement notices. It absorbs Find a Tender into a wider notice ecosystem covering Pipeline Notice, Tender Notice, Transparency Notice, Award Notice, Contract Performance Notice, and others. The platform launches alongside PA 2023 commencement (February 2025) with a phased transition: existing notices continue on legacy platforms during the transition while new notices flow through the unified platform.
How it works in practice
The Central Digital Platform aim is single-source-of-truth for UK procurement transparency: every notice type on a single platform with consistent OCDS-compatible data model, supporting both human users and programmatic access. The platform consolidates several legacy environments: Find a Tender (the above-threshold portal post-Brexit), Contracts Finder for above-threshold and sub-threshold central government notices, and elements of historical OJEU access for archive purposes. Scotland (PCS) and Wales (Sell2Wales) continue to operate parallel platforms reflecting devolved procurement responsibility. The platform supports the wider PA 2023 transparency regime by hosting the supplier conduct record built from published notices. For suppliers the practical implication is a single portal to monitor for English, Welsh, and Northern Ireland public sector opportunities (with Scotland separate); KimonBids polls the central platform alongside the devolved portals and the legacy Contracts Finder during the transition. The API is OCDS-compatible, supporting third-party tooling. The launch transition is staged: legacy notices continue to be valid during the transition period; new procurements from PA 2023 commencement use the new notice types on the central platform.
Common questions
When did the Central Digital Platform launch?
Alongside PA 2023 commencement on 24 February 2025. The transition has been phased: existing procurements continue on legacy platforms; new procurements from PA 2023 commencement use the new platform. Cabinet Office published the detailed transition timeline; expect 18-24 months for full migration.
Does the platform replace Contracts Finder?
Substantially yes for in-scope procurements, though the transition is phased. Contracts Finder for sub-threshold continues during transition. The central platform absorbs Find a Tender entirely and most of the Contracts Finder above-threshold function. Suppliers should monitor both during transition; KimonBids polls all relevant feeds to ensure no opportunities are missed.
Does Scotland use the Central Digital Platform?
No. Scotland operates Public Contracts Scotland and the related Scottish procurement framework reflecting devolved responsibility. The central platform serves England, Wales (for in-scope English/Welsh procurement), and Northern Ireland. Wales also continues to operate Sell2Wales for Welsh-specific compliance.