Tender Glossary
Public tenders have many terms. Here we explain them, so you don't have to wonder.
A
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is technology that mimics human thinking through learning, analysis, and decision-making. It is becoming increasingly important in tender work.
Award criteria
Award criteria are the rules that determine which supplier wins a tender procedure based on predefined requirements from the contracting authority.
C
Call-off
A call-off is an order or purchase made under a framework agreement, simplifying public procurement by avoiding a full tender procedure each time goods are needed.
Contract conclusion
A contract conclusion is the formal process that concludes a tender procedure, where the contracting authority and the supplier sign a binding agreement.
Contract notice
A contract notice is a public announcement from a contracting authority about planned purchases of goods or services, commonly used in public tenders.
Cost estimator
A cost estimator is a professional who calculates costs and prepares price proposals for projects in the construction industry, particularly for tender procedures.
CPV code
A CPV code is a numbering system for categorizing goods and services in public tenders, helping suppliers find relevant tender procedures.
D
DFO
DFO is the Norwegian government's agency for public procurement, providing guidance to government bodies and municipalities on conducting efficient purchases.
Direct award
A direct award is a simplified procurement process where public authorities can purchase goods or services without a formal notice, when the value falls below the threshold.
Doffin
Doffin is the national database for public tenders in Norway, where government agencies and municipalities publish their procurements of goods and services.
Dynamic purchasing system
A dynamic purchasing system is an electronic marketplace for public procurement where suppliers can join on an ongoing basis and contracting authorities can purchase as needed.
E
E-procurement tool
An e-procurement tool is a digital system that helps contracting authorities conduct tender procedures in a structured and efficient manner.
ESPD
The ESPD is a European self-declaration form that simplifies participation in public tenders by deferring documentation requirements until after the contract award.
F
FOA
FOA is the Norwegian regulation governing how public entities must procure goods and services, ensuring fair and efficient use of taxpayer money.
Framework agreement
A framework agreement is a long-term agreement between a contracting authority and suppliers that establishes the terms for future purchases of goods or services.
I
Indicative notice
An indicative notice is used in utilities procurement to inform the market about planned purchases, serving as a periodic summary of upcoming opportunities.
Innovative procurement
Innovative procurement is when the public sector purchases new or improved solutions that do not yet exist on the market, to solve problems in smarter ways.
M
Market dialogue
Market dialogue refers to preparatory discussions between contracting authorities and suppliers before public procurements to explore market capabilities.
Mini-competition
A mini-competition is a simplified tender procedure between approved suppliers under a framework agreement for efficient public purchasing.
P
Prequalification
Prequalification is the first phase in tender procedures where the contracting authority assesses suppliers' qualifications before they can participate in the main competition.
Prior information notice
A prior information notice is an early notification from public contracting authorities about planned procurements, giving suppliers the opportunity to prepare.
Procurement
A procurement is when the public sector purchases goods, services, or construction works under specific rules designed to ensure fair competition.
Public tenders
A public tender is a formal process where public sector bodies invite suppliers to compete for the delivery of goods or services through open competition.
Q
Qualification requirements
Qualification requirements are set requirements for suppliers' competence, finances, and experience that must be met to participate in public procurement.
Qualification scheme
A qualification scheme is a system that simplifies public procurement by pre-approving suppliers who meet certain requirements.
S
SSA (Norwegian Government Standard Agreements)
SSA agreements are standard contracts for public IT procurement in Norway that simplify contract signing between contracting authorities and suppliers by providing a fixed framework.
Standstill period
A standstill period is a mandatory waiting period between the announcement of a tender winner and the signing of the contract, ensuring the right to challenge the decision.
Subcontractors
A subcontractor is a company that performs parts of a contract for the main contractor when specialist expertise or additional capacity is required.
T
Tender
A tender is a formal process where contracting authorities invite suppliers to compete for the delivery of goods or services, primarily used in the public sector.
Tender alerts
Tender alerts is a service that automatically notifies businesses about new, relevant public tenders they can participate in, replacing manual searching.
Tender documents
Tender documents describe a public procurement, including what is being purchased and how suppliers can participate in the competition.
Tender portal
A tender portal is a website where buyers publish their needs for goods and services, and where suppliers can find and respond to these opportunities.
Tender procedure
A tender procedure is a formal process where contracting authorities invite suppliers to submit bids for goods or services.
Tender search
Tender search is the process of finding and monitoring public tenders that your business can participate in, with the goal of delivering goods or services to the public sector.
Tender service
A tender service is a digital tool that helps businesses find and participate in public tenders and win contracts.
Tenders Electronic Daily (TED)
TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) is the EU's official database for publishing public tenders across the EEA, ensuring open competition across national borders.
Threshold value
A threshold value is a financial limit that determines the rules for public procurement and dictates how extensive the purchasing process must be.
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