Procurement landing page
|
| Procurement is the process of purchasing goods or services. |
The procurement process is a complex on that requires an understanding of business planning, cost estimating, forms of contract and market conditions. The overall process involves:
- Choosing a procurement route
- Preparing tender documentation
- Identifying potential suppliers
- Inviting potential suppliers to submit a tender (bid)
- Selecting the preferred supplier
- Agreeing terms with the preferred supplier
- Signing a contract with the preferred supplier
There are many different ways the design and construction of a built assets can be procured. The most commonly-used procurement routes are:
A comprehensive list of procurement routes can be found here.
There are around 1,000 articles about procurement on Designing Buildings. You can access them all here.
Some of the most popular articles about procurement on Designing Buildings are:
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.