The process of engaging with potential suppliers before formally launching a procurement to improve understanding of the market, available solutions, delivery approaches, innovation, risks, and likely costs. Preliminary Market Engagement helps contracting authorities refine their requirements, develop an effective procurement strategy, and encourage competition while ensuring all suppliers are treated fairly and transparently. Under the UK Procurement Act 2023, the term Early Market Engagement (EME) is now used in place of Preliminary Market Engagement (PME), although the underlying purpose and principles remain largely the same.
Preliminary Market Engagement (PME)
Pre-procurement engagement with suppliers to understand the market and refine requirements, now termed Early Market Engagement under the Procurement Act 2023.
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Related Glossary Terms
The official compilation of permanent U.S. federal laws, providing the statutory basis for many contracting requirements.
A global classification system used to categorize products and services for procurement and spend analysis.
A unique 12-character identifier assigned via SAM.gov to organizations doing business with the federal government, replacing the DUNS number.
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