How to take part in European tenders

Government agencies all over the world purchase billions of euros worth of public works every year. From hiring IT specialists to buying Christmas presents and building roads. Purchases above a certain amount are put our to tender

What are European tenders? 

Supplying goods or services to the government is done through a purchase order. This is called a tender or invitation to tender. Is the estimated value of a contract equal to or more than the European threshold amount? Then the government must issue a Europe-wide tender. The government is then the commissioner of the tender.

Dutch business owners can also submit bids for tenders issued in other EU member states. You do not need a company abroad to do this.  

Threshold amounts 

European threshold amounts apply to certain public sector purchases. These amounts are exclusive of VAT and vary depending on the directive. The European Commission revises these amounts every 2 years. The current threshold amounts apply from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027. All EU countries use the same European threshold amounts.

The rules vary depending on the type of public contract. These rules are set out in European directives. 

How to find European tenders 

Tenders in the EU can be found on national websites, organised by country. There is also a separate website providing an overview of all European tenders. 

TenderNed

An overview of current tenders in the Netherlands can be found on TenderNed (in Dutch), the public procurement system of the Dutch government. Signing up for TenderNed is easy, quick, and entirely digital and means you can access contract announcements, award notices, and more. 

On the website you will find details of upcoming tenders and an overview of awarded contracts. 

TED

You can find European government tenders on TED (Tenders electronic daily). This website can be searched by country, region, or sector.  You can log in by creating an account. Or via a Dutch government sign-in service. For example, using your DigiD or eHerkenning, level 3 or 4.

National websites

On the European Commission’s website, you can find public procurement opportunities by EU country.

Open or restricted procedures 

European tender procedures can be either open or restricted. 

Open procedures

With open procedures, any company can draw up a plan and submit a bid. Only plans that meet the requirements will actually be assessed. The procedure consists of just 1 round. In this round, the contracting party assesses the companies' suitability. The plan that provides the best solution is chosen. 

Restricted procedures

Restricted procedures are similar to open ones, but have 2 rounds. In the selection phase, companies apply based on pre-announced selection criteria. Only companies that are selected are allowed to actually submit a tender bid. The contracting party usually invites 5 companies to put in a bid for the second round of the tender. This encourages healthy competition. 

Customised

Some projects require a  customised approach. In that case, the contracting party may opt for a special procedure. For example, a contest. This approach is mainly used for architectural contracts, such as a land use plan or urban planning design. 

How to register for a tender 

Every tender has 3 stages. 

1. Announcement; the contract is published on the TED website. 
2. Bidding; you submit your tender documents. 
3. Award; the client has reviewed the bids and awards the contract to the winning bid. 

Bidding is the most important stage in the tender process. Your bid should set you apart from the competition. These tips will help you make a successful bid:

• Describe clearly why your product or approach is the best possible solution for the client, 
• Submit all the necessary legal, financial, and contractual documents or manuals on time. 
• Make sure to submit only the documents requested in the schedule of requirements and nothing more or less. In the schedule of requirements, the contracting party describes what will have to be delivered and the work involved. 
• Make sure your plan meets all the requirements set out in the tender. If you do not meet the requirements, there is little sense in competing. If the tender requires the use of 6 mm screws, do not suggest using 8 mm screws.
• Submit your bid before the tender closes. The contracting party will not consider a late bid, so you will simply be wasting your time.  

Winning the tender

If you manage to win the tender, you will usually get a sizeable contract. Once you are in, you may also be awarded any subsequent contracts. In the award notice, the contracting party explains how they came to their decision. For example, value for money, the cheapest tender, or the most  sustainable tender. Each bidder is given a score for each part of the schedule of requirements. The bidder with the highest overall score wins the tender. 

Support 

Participating in a tender in another country is often difficult. You will probably not know your way around. You may not speak the language. Laws and regulations may be different. Is your company based in the EU? Then you can compete for a public contract in another EU country without a local partner. However, bringing in a local partner or local network does have its advantages. For example, knowledge of the market and of local laws and regulations. 

Government agencies like the Netherlands Enterprise Agency  (RVO) can help you. You can also turn to trade associations for support. Commercial companies will help you prepare your bid for a fee. 

More information 

Check out the step-by-step plan for taking part in a tender on Business.gov.nl.