Using Contracts Finder to find care contracts
Contracts Finder is the UK Government's free website for lower-value public contracts and opportunities. Public bodies must publish contracts above about 12,000 pounds for central government and about 30,000 pounds for the wider public sector, including councils. For care providers it is a good place to spot smaller domiciliary, supported living and spot-purchase opportunities that may not appear on the higher-value Find a Tender service.
What you will find there
Contracts Finder carries below-threshold opportunities, awarded contract notices and some pipeline information. Many council care contracts, framework call-offs and pilot schemes appear here first. You can search by keyword, location and sector, and set up email alerts so new care opportunities reach you automatically.
How to use it well for care
Search broad terms such as domiciliary care, supported living, home care and extra care, and filter by your region. Check both live opportunities and recent awards, because awards tell you who is winning local work and roughly what it is worth. Larger and longer contracts usually sit on Find a Tender instead, so use both sites together.
Not sure if you qualify for a tender? We check it for free, before you pay anything, and we only take bids we believe you can win. Text TENDER to get started.
Common questions
Is Contracts Finder free to use?
Yes. Searching, viewing opportunities and setting up alerts on Contracts Finder is free. You do not need an account to browse, though registering lets you save searches and alerts.
What is the difference between Contracts Finder and Find a Tender?
Contracts Finder carries lower-value contracts, roughly above 12,000 to 30,000 pounds. Find a Tender carries higher-value contracts above the formal thresholds. Care opportunities appear on both depending on size.
Do all council care contracts appear on Contracts Finder?
Most above the publishing thresholds do, but councils also run tenders on portals such as ProContract and In-Tend. It is best to check Contracts Finder alongside the relevant portals for your area.
Keep reading
Browse all care tender guides, or see care tender writing by service.
Got a tender to check?
Text TENDER to +44 7822 001898and we'll tell you free whether you'd qualify, before you spend a penny.