The Open procurement system simplifies bidding, contract management, and supplier interactions, while the Contracts Register ensures transparency for public spending.

Open procurement system

Open is our new procurement system provides businesses with contract opportunities, bid management, and streamlined supplier interactions. It replaces the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) Portal.

Open procurement system allows your business to compete for Northumberland County Council and other regional local authority procurement opportunities.

The system is designed to be user-friendly. It streamlines the tendering process, helping you bid for contract opportunities easily.

Find opportunities

Your personalised dashboard will provide relevant opportunities. Open will continuously improve to provide more specific and tailored opportunities.

Manage awarded contracts better

Open provides an easy view of contracts, communication, milestones and key dates. This helps you stay organised and meet your contractual obligations as an awarded supplier.

Interact with opportunities easily

It's easier to respond to and bid for public sector opportunities across multiple devices. Where possible, Open will store your information and relay this within the system to remove duplication. This will mean less administration time, adding value to your bids.

How to register

You will need an Open account to access tender opportunities. Watch this demo (video) for a walk-through of the Open system or read 'how-to' guides.

Register your business on Open

Contact our sourcing team

We're here to answer your procurement questions.

Email: financeprocurement@northumberland.gov.uk

Bidding top tips

The following provides some helpful guidance when completing tender documents:

• read all the questions and understand what information is required before starting
• consider how you can add value as part of your bid and support the Council's objectives to achieve social, economic and environmental benefits
• use your commercial judgement to know where your organisation sits in the market in terms of capability, quality and pricing
• if you do not understand a question, use the Q&A section on ProContract e-tendering system well in advance of the submission date
• where you are asked to provide examples, ensure you provide in-depth details to help us fully evaluate your submission
• questions with high scores/weightings are the most important, such as specialist technical questions
• complete all the required sections and include/reference all relevant attachments
• ensure the tender is presented professionally and always keep a copy of your tender
• use Word, Excel and PDF formats only
• do not modify the format of templates, particularly any pricing schedule, as you may be disqualified

Register containing our procurement contracts and details of purchase orders above £5,000.