Prior Information Notice (PIN)
An early notice signalling intent to procure; under PA 2023 designated as UK1, with shortened response windows when later used.
Definition
A Prior Information Notice (PIN) is an early notice published by a buyer to signal their 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 (from 35 days to as little as 15 days for the Open procedure), giving buyers flexibility on timeline.
How it works in practice
PINs come in two practical shapes. The first is a market sounding: the buyer publishes a PIN to gauge market interest and gather supplier feedback on the proposed scope before finalising the tender pack. The second is a timeline accelerator: the buyer publishes a PIN early to qualify for shortened response windows once the actual contract notice goes live, useful when the buyer needs to compress the procurement schedule but still meet statutory minimum windows. 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, a planned supplier engagement day, or a "soft market test" workbook. Suppliers should engage with PINs that align 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 confirms the buyer's assumptions and proceeds to procurement, sometimes reveals the requirement was poorly defined and 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; it has a defined legal effect (eligibility for shortened response windows) and is 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 that align 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 do lead to procurement; some do not, either because the buyer's priorities change or because the market sounding revealed problems with the scope that triggered a redesign. The buyer carries no obligation simply by virtue of publishing the PIN.