We have developed detailed documentation to guide you in implementing the Open Contracting Data Standard, and many technical blogs, templates, and other guidance material.

The Open Contracting Data Standard documentation is your key resource to implementing the standard. It provides you with access to the latest version of the data specification, guidance on data publication, documentation of extensions, and other relevant resources.

We also have step-by-step guidance, including helpful templates and tools to support your OCDS implementation here.

Most importantly, our free helpdesk is ready to help. Just reach out to us with any questions at data@open-contracting.org

Contracting data published in an OCDS format is easier to share, compare and analyze. It allows publishers to adapt and reuse existing visualization and analysis tools like these, reducing costs and promoting innovation. The OCDS provides guidance on what to publish and how to publish the most important details about public contracting as identified by practitioners, researchers and other stakeholders.

The OCDS was crafted for four specific user needs, underpinned by a field-by-field analysis of how the data can be used to support those needs. They are:

• Delivering better value for money, saving government money and time;
• Building a fairer business environment and a level playing field for suppliers; and
• Improving public integrity by deterring fraud and corruption; and
• Tracking and improving service delivery.

Embedded into wider reforms, governments can use open contracting to secure better value for money for goods, works, and services and to build the trust of the private sector, civil society and citizens.

Joined up contracting data

Planning	Tender	Award	Contract	Implementation
Including:	Including:	Including:	Including:	Including:
Budgets Project plans Procurement plans Market studies Public hearing info	Tender notices Specifications Line items Values Enquiries	Details of award Bidder information Bid evaluation Values	Final details Signed contract Amendments Values	Payments Progress updates Location Extensions Amendments Completion or termination info
Enabling:	Enabling:	Enabling:	Enabling:	Enabling:
Strategic planning Market research Setting priorities Access to market	Competitive tendering Cross-border procurement Red flag analysis Transparent feedback mechanisms	Efficient supplier management Efficient complaints mechanism Links to beneficial ownership data Red flag analysis Trade / cross border analysis	Cost analysis Understanding what government buys Trade / cross border procurement analysis	Results based contracting Implementation monitoring Transparent contract management Red flag analysis

A large community of data publishers, vendors, advocacy organizations, journalists and other users are working with the Open Contracting Data Standard. Below are some of the key ways to get involved:

Mailing list: This general mailing list is the main discussion space for data publishers, users of open contracting data, and the open contracting developer community. Join here.

You can ask questions, discuss ideas for using the standard, and share news on your projects. Announcements about proposed updates to the standard, and periods for comment, will also be made to the mailing list.

GitHub: You can find the latest technical discussions on developments of the standard on the GitHub issue tracker where you can also share your own suggestions for developments to the standard.

Helpdesk: If you want direct support to publish open contracting data, or to develop tools that work with OCDS, and do not want to post through the available public fora, you can contact the OCDS helpdesk directly at data@open-contracting.org.