Source: https://tendernation.io/glossary/re-tender Glossary # Re-tender A new procurement run for work that is already being delivered under a contract that is ending or being replaced. Updated 14 Oct 2026 A re-tender (sometimes called a re-procurement) is a new competition for work that is already being delivered under an existing contract, usually because that contract is coming to an end. The current supplier, the [incumbent](/glossary/incumbent-supplier), normally bids again, alongside new challengers. ## What it means Public contracts cannot run forever. Their length is set at award, and frameworks are generally limited to four years under [section 47 of the Procurement Act 2023](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/section/47). When a contract nears its end, the buyer usually has to run a new procurement rather than simply extending it, unless the contract already allows for an extension or a permitted modification applies. The Act makes re-tenders much easier to see coming: - the [contract details notice](/glossary/contract-details-notice) under [section 53](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/section/53) records key details of each contract once signed - large buyers list planned procurements over £2 million in [pipeline notices](/glossary/pipeline-notice) - a contract termination notice under [section 80](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/section/80) must be published within 30 days of a contract being terminated ## Why it matters for SMEs Re-tenders are predictable. Unlike brand-new requirements, you can often see one coming a year or more ahead, which gives a small supplier time to prepare properly: build a relationship with the buyer, gather case studies, line up partners and take part in market engagement. Buyers also start planning re-tenders well before the end date, so the window for influence opens early. ## Practical tip Build a re-tender calendar. For each target buyer, list contracts in your field with their end dates and possible extensions, and set a reminder about 12 to 18 months before each one. The [contract expiry finder](/tools/contract-expiry-finder) helps you find end dates, and [who won it](/tools/who-won-it) shows who currently holds the work. Find tenders that fit your business Search UK, EU and World Bank tenders in one place, get AI summaries and a fit score for each one, and track bids in a pipeline. Professional comes with a 14-day free trial, no card needed. [Browse live tenders](/opportunities)[Start free trial ](/register) 14-day free trial, no card required Browse by sector - [Construction work](https://tendernation.io/sectors/construction-work)356 - [Architecture, engineering & surveying](https://tendernation.io/sectors/architecture-engineering-surveying)131 - [IT services](https://tendernation.io/sectors/it-services)51 - [Business services](https://tendernation.io/sectors/business-services)171 - [Health and social work](https://tendernation.io/sectors/health-social-work)291 - [Sewage, refuse, cleaning & environmental](https://tendernation.io/sectors/sewage-refuse-cleaning-environmental)76 [All sectors ](/sectors) ## Nearby terms [Preliminary market engagementConversations a buyer has with suppliers before publishing a tender, to shape its requirements, procedure and contract terms.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/preliminary-market-engagement)[Procurement Act 2023The UK law that has governed most public sector buying in England, Wales and Northern Ireland since 24 February 2025.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/procurement-act-2023)[Procurement thresholdsThe contract values, including VAT, at or above which a public contract must follow the full competitive rules of the Procurement Act 2023.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/procurement-thresholds)[Reserved contracts (PPN 005)Competitions a buyer limits to certain kinds of supplier, such as local SMEs and VCSEs below threshold, or supported employment providers.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/reserved-contracts)[Selection questionnaire (SQ)A standard set of questions buyers use to check a supplier's eligibility, finances and capability before assessing its tender.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/selection-questionnaire)[SME and VCSESMEs are small and medium-sized enterprises; VCSEs are voluntary, community and social enterprises. Both get specific attention in UK procurement policy.](https://tendernation.io/glossary/sme-vcse) [Read our procurement guides ](/guides)