Can a Canadian firm bid on UK public tenders?

Most UK public tenders are open to Canadian firms on the same terms as UK firms. What decides whether you can win is usually the tender's own requirements, not your nationality.

What to check in the notice

• Reservations. Some lower-value contracts can be reserved for UK suppliers or SMEs, and defence and security work can be restricted. The notice says if a contract is reserved.
• Supplier lists. A lot of central government IT is bought through Crown Commercial Service frameworks such as G-Cloud. If a tender is a call-off from a framework, only suppliers on it can bid.
• Certifications. Cyber Essentials is expected on many central government contracts that handle personal data or provide IT systems.
• Security clearance. Staff on some government work need BPSS or higher vetting.
• Data location, insurance levels and social value commitments, which are scored on most central government tenders.

Next step

Register on Find a Tender, the Central Digital Platform under the Procurement Act 2023, so your core supplier details can be shared with buyers. Then apply to G-Cloud when it next opens if you sell cloud software or services. The UK country guide lists every portal, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.