Guide
Contracts about to expire: get ready before the tender appears
To find contracts about to expire, read the award notices public bodies publish. They usually show the supplier, the start date, the length and any extension options. Work out the end date, then approach the buyer and prepare your bid before the re-tender is published, not after.
Last updated 22 October 2026
Why do contract end dates matter?
A contract that is ending will usually be renewed, extended or replaced. A buyer who starts planning early may talk to suppliers, publish an early notice or run market engagement. If you only see the final tender, you have less time and fewer chances to shape it.
Where do you find the dates?
- Award notices show who won, the start date and the term.
- Contract notices often state the duration and any options to extend.
- Some buyers publish a forward plan of what they expect to buy.
How do you work out when a re-tender is likely?
Take the start date, add the term and any extensions, and subtract the time a buyer typically needs to run a procurement. Treat the answer as a window, not a date, because extensions are common.
What should you do with the information?
- Decide whether the contract suits you. Use the bid or no bid checklist.
- Find the right person at the buyer and introduce yourself.
- Watch for an early notice or market engagement.
- Gather your evidence, so you are ready when the tender opens.
How Opptix helps
Opptix watches contracts approaching their end and early notices, screens them against your profile and writes the first message for you to approve. See buying signals and what Opptix looks at.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out when a public contract ends?
Read the award notice or contract notice for the start date, the term and any extension options.
Are extensions common?
Often, so treat an end date as a window rather than a fixed date.
Can I contact the buyer before a tender is published?
Usually yes, if you keep to the buyer's rules on fairness. Early introductions and responses to market engagement are normal.
Does Opptix watch contract end dates?
Yes. Contracts about to end are one of the signals it follows.
See it on your own market
Create a free account, describe what you sell, and use your £20 of free credit.