UK Procurement Glossary
Above-Threshold
A UK public sector contract whose estimated value is above the financial threshold for formal procurement procedures — published on Find a Tender Service.
Definition
Above-threshold means a UK public sector contract whose estimated total value exceeds the financial threshold for formal procurement procedures under the Procurement Act 2023. Thresholds vary by contract type and buyer category — for services and goods, central government has a lower threshold (£139,688 as of 2024-26) than sub-central buyers (£213,477).
Above-threshold contracts must be published on Find a Tender Service and follow the formal procedures (open, restricted, competitive flexible). They attract standstill periods and stricter transparency rules.
How this affects your bid
Above-threshold contracts have longer timelines (often 8-16 weeks) and formal procedure rules. Plan bid resourcing accordingly — these aren't opportunities you can knock out in a week.
Common questions about above-threshold
What are current UK thresholds?
For services and goods: £139,688 (central government), £213,477 (other public bodies). For works: £5,372,609. Updated periodically.
Do thresholds include VAT?
No — UK procurement thresholds are exclusive of VAT.
Related terms
Below-Threshold
A UK public sector contract whose estimated value is below the financial threshold for …
Find a Tender Service (FTS)
The UK government's official portal for public-sector contract opportunities above the …
Standstill Period
A mandatory 10 working-day pause between award decision and contract signature, during …
Procurement Act 2023
The UK's post-Brexit reform of public sector procurement law, in force from 24 February…
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