Data and API documentation

Data outputs

The UK is committed to open contracting. Notice data is available under the Open Government Licence.

OCDS API

You can download notices in Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) JSON format using our API. Notice fields are mapped to OCDS version 1.1.5 with extensions as defined by the Open Contracting Partnership.

• OCDS release package API

XML downloads

The same notice data is also available to download from the data.gov.uk website or using their API. Daily Zip files contain an XML file for each notice.

• View on data.gov.uk
• data.gov.uk API documentation
• Example API call

Publication XML schema downloads

New schema - may be used for notices published from 21 July 2022 (to be confirmed):

• R2.0.8.UK1.E01_002 for defence forms F16, F17, F18 and F19
• R2.0.9.UK1.E01_002 for all other forms

Current schema - may be used for notices published from 2 March 2021 to 20 July 2022 (to be confirmed):

• R2.0.8.S05.E01_002 for defence forms F16, F17, F18 and F19
• R2.0.9.S04.E01_002 for all other forms

Previous schema - may be used for notices published to 3 May 2021:

• R2.0.8.S04.E01_003 for defence forms F16, F17, F18 and F19
• R2.0.9.S03.E01_009 for all other forms

Note that from 2 March to 3 May 2021 notices may use either schema.

Find a Tender XML formats are based on those used by Tenders Electronic Daily (TED). See details of the changes from TED and between versions on Find a Tender.

Data inputs

Licensed data providers (eSenders) can send us notices using the methods and formats described. To become a data provider, contact us.

API submission

• Specification
• How-to guide

Reception XML schema downloads

• UK1.0.0 for pipeline notices
• XSLT 1 for pipeline notices

New schema - may be used for notices published from 21 July 2022 (to be confirmed):

• R2.0.8.UK1 for defence forms F16, F17, F18 and F19
• R2.0.9.UK1 for all other non-pipeline forms
• XSLT UK1 for all non-pipeline forms

Current schema - may be used for notices published until 20 July 2022 (to be confirmed):

• R2.0.8.S05 update 1 for defence forms F16, F17, F18 and F19
• R2.0.9.S04 update 1 for all other non-pipeline forms
• XSLT 037 update 1 for all non-pipeline forms

Find a Tender XML formats are based on those used by Tenders Electronic Daily (TED). See details of the changes from TED and between versions on Find a Tender.

Pipeline notices use a different XML format. See details of the required pipeline notice fields.