Deadlines and time zones

Every open tender shows its closing date, a days-left chip and, on the final day, a live countdown. Deadlines follow the buyer's local time, which is the same clock in the UK and Ireland.

Where to find the deadline

Open a tender and look at the Deadline row in the Key details. You will see:

• the closing date, for example "14 October 2026";
• a chip beside it showing how long is left, such as 7d left or 1d left;
• on the closing day itself, a countdown to the closing moment, such as 5h 12m left.; in the final minute it reads Closing now;
• (expired) once the deadline has passed, with a closed banner at the top of the page.

The chip changes colour as time runs short, so urgent tenders stand out when you scan a page.

Tender cards in your matches and search results show the closing date or how many days are left.

When the buyer gives a date but no time

If the buyer gave a date but no time, the page may show (time not stated, assuming 5pm). Check the buyer's documents for the exact closing time.

Other dates you may see

• Enquiry deadline: shown with "(questions / clarifications)". This is the last day to put questions to the buyer, and it is usually earlier than the closing date.
• Not stated by buyer: the notice carries no deadline. Read the description for timing, or contact the buyer.
• Award decision: where the buyer states when a decision is expected.

Get a reminder before it closes

1. Open the tender and select Add to watchlist.
2. You will receive closing-soon reminders by email for watched tenders 7, 3, 1 and 0 days before the deadline.

Free accounts can watch up to 3 tenders and get the same reminders for them. See Deadline reminders and Add deadlines to your calendar.

Good to know

• The tender page shows the closing date, not a closing time. The buyer's documents give the exact time.
• If you are based abroad, convert the UK time to your own before planning.
• Leave a buffer and submit well before the closing time rather than in the last few minutes.
• After the deadline, the tender page shows a closed banner and you should not submit a bid. Awarded notices show Submissions closed instead of Deadline.

For where to submit once you are ready, see Get the bid documents and submit your bid.