How to run a basic search

Running a search on InstantMarkets is straightforward. Here's how to do it.

1. Enter a keyword

Type your search term into the search bar at the top of any page and press Enter (or click the search icon).

Use terms that describe what you sell in procurement language — the words a buyer would use in a bid title:

• "road resurfacing"
• "legal services"
• "copier paper"
• "cloud storage"

2. Review the results

The results page shows matching opportunities sorted by relevance (or by date if you choose). Each card displays:

• Opportunity title
• Issuing agency and location
• Opportunity type (RFP, RFQ, RFI, etc.)
• Due date
• A brief excerpt from the description

Click any card to open the full opportunity detail.

3. Change the sort order

By default, results are sorted by relevance. Use the Sort by dropdown to switch to Newest (most recently posted) or Closing soon (soonest due dates first).

4. Apply filters

Use the left-side filter panel to narrow your results — by agency type, opportunity type, geography, NAICS code, or due date range. Filters stack: you can combine as many as you need.

5. Open an opportunity

Click a result to view the full listing. From there you can:

• Read the full description
• See key dates and contacts
• Follow the source link to the agency portal to download documents

Quick tips

• Short phrases beat single words. "Elevator maintenance" is better than "elevator."
• Try variations. "School bus" and "pupil transportation" may return different results.
• No results? Remove filters one at a time, or broaden your keyword.

See Using advanced search filters to go deeper on filtering options.