A bid, also commonly referred to as a tender, is a formal proposal submitted by a supplier in response to a public procurement call or invitation to tender. In the context of EU procurement, submitting a bid means the supplier offers to fulfill specified goods, services, or works in accordance with the tender’s requirements and at a stated price.
The bid outlines how the supplier plans to meet the contracting authority’s criteria, often including technical capabilities, delivery schedules, sustainability measures, and cost. The submission initiates a competitive evaluation process, where bids are assessed against predefined award criteria (such as quality, price, innovation, or lifecycle costs).
Adhering to EU Treaty principles (transparency, equal treatment, non-discrimination) is mandatory, ensuring fair competition. Once submitted, a bid is considered binding, and the bidder is expected to honor its terms if awarded the contract.
