prior information notice

A prior information notice is an early notification that a contracting authority is planning to carry out a procurement. This is a way for the public sector to inform potential suppliers about upcoming opportunities before the actual tender procedure begins.

View available prior information notices.

Why are prior information notices used?

For contracting authorities, this is a useful tool to:

• Alert the market about major procurements well in advance
• Give suppliers the opportunity to plan and prepare
• Allow for shorter deadlines in the subsequent competition
• Receive early feedback from the market

For suppliers, a prior information notice means they get more time to:

• Assess whether they want to participate in the competition
• Prepare potential partnerships with subcontractors
• Ensure they have the necessary resources available

How does it work in practice?

A prior information notice is typically published on Doffin (for Norwegian procurements) or TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) for procurements above the EEA thresholds. The notice typically contains:

• A description of what is to be procured
• Estimated value and timing of the procurement
• Preliminary requirements and criteria
• Contact information for any questions

For example: A municipality is planning to build a new school next year. By publishing a prior information notice now, interested contractors get time to plan their capacity and resources. Tools like Cobrief can help suppliers catch such opportunities early and monitor developments leading up to the actual competition.

A prior information notice is a strategic tool that gives both contracting authorities and suppliers more time for planning and preparation, which often results in better-executed procurements and more thoroughly prepared tenders.