⚙ Open Procedure EU Tenders

An open procedure is the most common EU procurement method where any interested supplier can submit a tender. It offers maximum transparency and competition. All documentation is publicly available from the start and there is no pre-selection stage.

The open procedure is used for contracts above EU thresholds when the requirements are well-defined and can be fully specified upfront. It is the default procedure for most supplies, services, and works contracts in the EU.

Under EU rules, the minimum time limit for receipt of tenders in an open procedure is 35 days from the date the contract notice is published on TED. This can be reduced to 15 days in cases of urgency.

Any economic operator from any EU member state (and eligible non-EU countries) may submit a tender in an open procedure. Contracting authorities may set minimum technical and financial qualification criteria but cannot restrict who applies.

Bidders typically need to submit a completed ESPD (European Single Procurement Document), technical proposal, financial proposal, and supporting documents proving qualifications. Requirements are detailed in the tender documentation (specifications/cahier des charges).

In EU open procedures, the contract is awarded based on the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT). This considers price, quality, technical merit, and other award criteria specified in the contract notice.