Incumbent

The supplier that holds a contract now. Incumbents usually have an edge when the work is re-tendered, but buyers often want a credible alternative.

Related terms

Re-tender

When an existing contract ends and the buyer runs a new competition for the same work. Re-tenders are predictable from award notices, so they are the easiest tenders to prepare for.

Contract award notice

A public notice saying who won a contract and, often, for how much. Award notices show who holds the work now and when it may come up again.