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title: "What are Opportunity Types"
canonical: "https://support.mercell.com/space/MTBEE/196771282987/What%20are%20Opportunity%20Types"
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This guide provides an overview of the different opportunity types available in the system:  Upcoming Tenders, Planned Investments, and Tenders . Each opportunity type offers a different stage in the procurement lifecycle, allowing businesses to plan their engagement strategically. Note:  This article assumes you already have a subscription package that includes the option to create a Monitoring profile and you have already created at least one profile on your account. Upcoming Tenders: Upcoming tenders refer to procurement opportunities that have been announced but are not yet open for bidding. These allow suppliers to prepare in advance before the formal bidding process begins. Tenders are announced but not yet open for submissions. Provides a preview of upcoming procurement needs. Allows suppliers to prepare necessary documents, resources, and partnerships. The official start date for submission may be included in the notice information. Monitor  upcoming tenders  to stay ahead of opportunities. Gather the required documents in advance. Set alerts for  tender opening dates  to ensure timely participation. Planned Investments: Planned investments refer to  future projects  or financial commitments that organisations or governments intend to make. These indicate potential procurement opportunities before a formal tender is issued. Represents future procurement needs and investment plans. Helps businesses anticipate demand and align strategies accordingly. May include estimated budgets and project scopes. No active bidding process yet, but shows that a tender may follow later. Review planned investments to  identify future business opportunities . Engage with stakeholders early to  position  your business. Track when these investments transition into  active tenders . Potential investments  are future business opportunities identified by analysing publicly available government meeting minutes on purchasing. In Mercell Bidding, the information provided is a summary of the discussion that took place. The  Go to source  button is a link to the meeting minutes PDF. Potential Investments is only available in limited countries and for specific subscriptions. Contact your Customer Success Manager (CSM) to inquire about availability in your location. In the absence of a CSM customer support can help you. In comparison we also have  Investment plans . These are budgets published by municipalities. Suppliers can gain a competitive edge by leveraging  investment plans  and  potential investments.  This early intelligence allows them to proactively engage with potential buyers and secure a prime position, particularly for below-threshold contracts. Tenders: Tenders are  active procurement opportunities  where organisations invite suppliers to submit proposals or bids for a contract. Bidding is open, and submissions are being accepted. Includes details on requirements, deadlines, and evaluation criteria. Suppliers must submit a formal proposal within the given timeframe. Tenders are evaluated based on price, quality, and compliance. Review the  tender requirements  and ensure compliance. Submit a bid  before the deadline . Track bid status and respond to any requests for additional information. Understanding these categories will help users navigate procurement opportunities efficiently and make informed decisions. Article Ref: 290920251020