Consortium

A consortium is a group formed by two or more independent companies—also known as economic operators—that come together to submit a joint bid in a procurement competition. Each member retains its own legal identity and the consortium is usually formed specifically for the tender. In EU public procurement, a consortium may be used when individual firms cannot meet all requirements on their own due to capacity, technical expertise, or financial thresholds.

Forming a consortium allows organizations to pool resources and combine complementary strengths, making it possible to fulfill complex or large-scale contracts that would be unattainable for a single entity. This cooperative approach supports efficiency and expands access, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Importantly, such consortiums are legal under EU competition law so long as they do not restrict market competition—for example, by ensuring only the minimum necessary information is shared and that none of the consortium members could individually or in smaller groups submit a compliant bid.

From a practical standpoint, when a consortium wins a contract, its members typically establish a clear agreement on roles, responsibilities, risk sharing, and performance management. Often, one member acts as the lead supplier or submits via a special purpose vehicle on behalf of all. This ensures seamless coordination and compliance with procurement rules from submission to contract delivery.