---
title: "How do I ask questions to the contracting authority?"
canonical: "https://support.mercell.com/space/MCSKB/920682664/How%20do%20I%20ask%20questions%20to%20the%20contracting%20authority%3F"
format: markdown
---
This guide will review how to ask questions to the contracting authority in the Mercell Portal. To ask questions to the contracting authority, it is recommended that you use our communication module at all times. This ensures that the right contact person at the contracting authority receives your question and that you can document that the question has actually been sent.

Guidance  
Each tender that is exposed to competition via the Mercell Tender Portal has its own communication module. It is therefore important that you send the question from the task to which the question relates.

1. Go to the "Communication" tab.

![image](media://c3a0d1c4-39b3-4ff9-8b1f-91d16e60c784)

2. Click on "New message" on the left side.

![image](media://9ea8c199-f909-486b-81ce-e6330b024105)

3. Fill in the fields “Subject” and “Description” (your question) and attach a file(optionally). Send the question to the contracting authority by clicking "Send".

![image](media://88c46b20-999a-4238-8061-e905031c8b45)

4. You will now be able to see your question in "Sent" on the "Communication" tab. Sent messages are only visible to you and the contracting authority.

![image](media://83adc647-cda9-4951-ac47-8d537c0624d3)

5. In "Sent" on the tab "Communication" you can also see if the contracting authority has read your message. Keep an eye on the envelope next to the recipient. If it has a selection, it is read. Even if the message has been read, however, it may take time before the contracting authority answers the question.

![image](media://23a9e7bc-4364-4291-a13e-4c03ba0650ca)

6. When answering questions, you will receive a notification at your email address, which is linked to your account with Mercell and will be available on the tab "Communication" under "Additional information". Click on the additional information topic to read more.

![image](media://353e9bd1-df7b-4867-b9cf-14709672b9b7)


<u>[Need to raise a request? Contact us.](https://mercell.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/4)</u>