Not all tenders are created equal, and understanding this will save you a lot of headaches. There are simple, fast-track tenders, and others that are longer, more technical, and highly competitive. Knowing exactly what you are getting into is key to deciding whether it is worth your while.
The most common types are:
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Open Procedure: Anyone who meets the requirements can apply. High competition and strictly regulated.
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Simplified Open Procedure: Less paperwork and shorter deadlines. Ideal for SMEs and for getting started.
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Restricted Procedure: Companies are pre-selected first, and only a chosen few can submit a bid. Less competition, but more demanding.
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Negotiated Procedure: The administration negotiates directly with specific companies. Used in very specific and exclusive cases.
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Minor Contract: Fast, low-value, and straightforward. If managed well, they can be recurring; it’s not actually a competitive tender but a direct purchase using the agency’s budget, which is why it has strict limits.
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Framework Agreements: Grants access to multiple contracts over several years without having to bid from scratch every time.
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