The Central Digital Platform is the UK government’s single online system for public procurement, created by the Procurement Act 2023 and delivered through the Find a Tender service. It launched on 24 February 2025 and brings noticing, supplier registration and supplier information together in one place. For suppliers, it introduces a “tell us once” approach — you register once, store your core details, and reuse them across every bid. This guide explains how the Central Digital Platform works and how to use it well.
If you want the wider context first, see our overview of the Procurement Act 2023.
What is the Central Digital Platform?
The Central Digital Platform (CDP) is the central location where all UK contracting authorities publish regulated procurement notices, and where suppliers store and share their core business information. It operates through the enhanced Find a Tender service, at the same web address as before.
Before the platform existed, procurement notices were scattered across dozens of portals. The CDP consolidates them. It replaced the old split between Contracts Finder, used for below-threshold notices, and the previous Find a Tender service, used for higher-value notices. Contracts Finder still exists for older procurements run under the previous rules, but new opportunities under the Act appear on the CDP.
Why the Central Digital Platform matters for suppliers
The headline benefit is “tell us once”. You enter your core supplier information once, keep it up to date, and share it with any buyer as part of a bid. This cuts the repetitive form-filling that used to slow every submission.
There is also a hard rule to be aware of. The Act prevents buyers from awarding public contracts to suppliers who are not registered on the platform. In short, registration is not optional if you want to win regulated public sector work. Learning how to become a government supplier now includes registering here.
What information do you need to register?
In practice, registration runs through a GOV.UK One Login account. Once signed in, you register your organisation and complete your supplier information. Having the details ready makes the process quick. You will need:
- Basic information. Name, address, Companies House number (or equivalent), VAT number, relevant qualifications, and whether you are an SME, VCSE or public mutual.
- Financial information. Copies of your accounts for your two most recent financial years.
- Connected persons. Details of anyone with significant control or influence over your business.
- Exclusions. Details of any mandatory or discretionary exclusions that apply to you or connected persons.
Essentially, think of this as a standing pre-qualification questionnaire. It asks for much of the same information you used to repeat in every bid, so completing it well saves time on all future tenders.
How to share your information with buyers
When you bid, you share your supplier information in one of two ways. You can generate a unique “share code” and enter it in the buyer’s tendering portal, or you can download your information as a file and send it to the buyer. You control who sees your data — it is not visible to every authority automatically.
One important point: the Central Digital Platform is not where you submit your bid. You still respond through the contracting authority’s own e-sourcing portal, following the instructions in each tender. The CDP handles discovery, registration and supplier information — not the submission itself.
How to get the most from the Central Digital Platform
Ultimately, treat the platform as a research tool as well as a registration system. Set up alerts so you spot opportunities early. Keep your supplier information accurate, because you are responsible for its accuracy, not the platform. Watch pipeline and tender notices to build a forward view of upcoming work. Suppliers who turn this data into a qualified pipeline gain a real edge over those who simply react to adverts. A professional bid writer can help you convert that pipeline into wins.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Central Digital Platform the same as Find a Tender?
Effectively, yes. The Central Digital Platform is delivered through the enhanced Find a Tender service, at the same web address. Find a Tender is the public-facing brand; the CDP is the underlying system.
Do I have to register on the Central Digital Platform?
If you want to win regulated public sector contracts under the Procurement Act 2023, yes. The Act prevents buyers from awarding public contracts to suppliers who are not registered.
Can I submit my bid on the Central Digital Platform?
No. The platform is for finding opportunities, registering, and sharing supplier information. You still submit your bid through the contracting authority’s own e-sourcing portal.
When do I need to register?
You only need to register at the point you want to bid for a contract. That said, registering early and preparing your information in advance saves time when a deadline is tight.
Get registered and start winning
The Central Digital Platform is now the front door to public sector work. If you would like help registering, preparing your supplier information, or building a pipeline into winning bids, our team can support you. Get in touch with Together: The Hudson Collective to start winning more, faster.
Source: GOV.UK — Central Digital Platform factsheet. This article is for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice.