Question 1

What kinds of public sources does Cinderpost look at?

Accepted Answer

Examples include company announcements, contractor news and local business publications; planning applications and regeneration updates; and public investment, procurement, university, NHS and council updates. These are examples, not an exhaustive source list, and they do not mean every source in each category is checked continuously.

Question 2

How are Find a Tender and NISTA information used?

Accepted Answer

A supported Find a Tender import requests tender-stage OCDS notices updated within the preceding seven days. Matching notices are saved as private drafts for review. The import path also accepts the UK Infrastructure Pipeline (NISTA) workbook of planned infrastructure projects; matching entries become draft briefs. These are specific import paths, not a promise that every broader source family is polled automatically or continuously.

Question 3

What does it mean when a detail is source-backed?

Accepted Answer

Details such as a buyer, notice type, dates, tender deadline, project stage, contractor appointment or contact should be attributed to a cited HTTP or HTTPS source. They describe what that source said when it was published or captured; they do not confirm that the information is still current.

Question 4

How should I read estimates, timing and likely trades?

Accepted Answer

A source-reported value is still an estimate. Timing guidance is indicative, and likely trades or business fit may be an unverified interpretation rather than confirmed scope. Check the project stage and details with the original notice or buyer.

Question 5

What should I check before acting on a brief?

Accepted Answer

Open the cited source and check that it is current. Confirm the project status and scope, procurement route and deadline, your eligibility and trade fit, and any contact details with the buyer or notice. Do this before spending time or money on a lead.

Question 6

Does a NISTA pipeline entry mean there is an open tender or awarded work?

Accepted Answer

No. A UK Infrastructure Pipeline entry describes a planned project; it is not evidence of an open tender, an award, an appointed contractor or a confirmed contract. Check the current procurement notice with the buyer before treating it as work to pursue.

Question 7

Are the briefs complete, current or a guarantee of work?

Accepted Answer

No. Source coverage is not exhaustive, and a cited detail can become out of date after publication or capture. A brief is a lead to investigate, not a guarantee of a live opportunity, an invitation to tender or work being won.

Questions about opportunity briefs

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