PIN
Acronym for Prior Information Notice; an early notice signalling intent to procure.
Definition
PIN is the acronym for Prior Information Notice, an early notice published by a contracting authority to signal its intention to procure. Responding to a PIN does not commit you to bidding but registers interest and may influence the procurement design. Under the Procurement Act 2023, PINs are designated as part of the planned procurement notice family. A PIN published 35-365 days before the corresponding contract notice can shorten the subsequent tender response window.
How it works in practice
See the detailed Prior Information Notice glossary entry for substantive coverage. The short version: PINs come in two practical shapes -- a market sounding (gauging market interest before finalising the tender pack) and a timeline accelerator (qualifying for shortened response windows once the actual contract notice goes live). PINs typically include the buyer name, CPV codes, estimated value, indicative procurement procedure, and contact details for engagement. Many include a request for written feedback from interested suppliers or a planned supplier engagement day. Suppliers should engage with PINs aligning with their capability: feedback at the PIN stage can shape the eventual specification, and presence at supplier engagement days builds buyer recognition. PINs do not always lead to a contract; market sounding sometimes triggers a redesign. KimonBids surfaces PINs alongside contract notices and tags them so suppliers can prioritise PIN engagement for future strategic wins.
Common questions
What is the difference between a PIN and a Pipeline Notice?
A PIN is the formal PCR 2015 / PA 2023 procedural notice with defined legal effect (eligibility for shortened response windows) tied to a specific upcoming procurement. A Pipeline Notice is broader, often covering multiple upcoming procurements over 12 to 18 months; the legal effect is narrower.
Should I respond to every PIN?
No. Respond to PINs aligning with your capability and strategic priorities. A PIN response should be a short, targeted indication of interest plus (where requested) substantive feedback on the proposed scope. Treat it as an early relationship-building opportunity rather than a forced exercise.
Does a PIN commit the buyer to running the procurement?
No. PINs are non-binding indications. Many PINs lead to procurement; some do not, either because the buyer's priorities change or because the market sounding revealed problems with the scope. The buyer carries no obligation simply by virtue of publishing the PIN.