A contracting authority is the public body that runs a procurement and awards the contract — for example a government department, local council, hospital, or state-owned entity. It defines the requirements, publishes the tender, and evaluates bids.
Contracting authorities are bound by procurement rules designed to ensure fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory competition. Understanding who the authority is — its sector, past awards, and priorities — helps bidders tailor a response and judge whether an opportunity is worth pursuing.