2026-10-24 · Data Innovations

How to learn about construction projects in Norway before the tender

Once a construction tender is published, there are often only a few weeks left before the deadline, and general contractors already have their subcontractors. Lithuanian companies that hear about a project earlier have more time to get to know the buyer and the contractors. Here is where to look for early signals.

Prior notices

Many Norwegian buyers announce in advance what they plan to buy, through prior information notices or market consultations. These are visible on Doffin and, for larger projects, on TED. They are the first official sign that a project is moving towards a tender.

News about investments and plans

Projects appear in the news even earlier: a municipality approves a plan for a new school, a health trust announces a hospital expansion, a developer gets a permit. Norwegian construction media and regional portals write about this in Norwegian, so it is worth monitoring keywords in the local language, for example:

"planlegging", "reguleringsplan" – planning, zoning plan
"byggestart" – start of construction
"totalentreprise", "anbudskonkurranse" – contract form (design and build), tender competition
"sykehus", "skole", "omsorgsbolig" – hospital, school, sheltered (care) housing

A project's path: from plan to start of construction

Planned – news and prior notices. Action: get to know the buyer and the contractors who usually win such projects.
Tender – the procurement is published. Action: submit a bid or talk to those who will.
Winner – the contract is signed. Action: offer subcontracting or workers to the winner.
Start of construction – works begin. Action: the last chance for additional works.

All four stages on one card

MarketScope links news and tender notices about the same project and shows which stage it is at and what to do next.

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When to approach the general contractor

The best moment for a subcontractor is between the tender announcement and the contract signing, or right after it. The winner is then building its team and refining prices. Before you call, check the company in the Norwegian register (Brønnøysund): size, activity, address.

A sample weekly routine

Monday: review the weekly summary: new plans, tenders and winners.
Tuesday: contact 2–3 new winners.
Thursday: check approaching deadlines and mark where you are bidding.
Friday: update statuses: contacted, proposal, won.