mini-competition

A mini-competition is a simplified type of tender procedure conducted under an existing framework agreement. This is a way for the public sector to purchase goods or services efficiently, while still ensuring healthy competition among approved suppliers.

How does a mini-competition work?

Imagine that a municipality has a framework agreement with four IT companies for the supply of computer equipment. When the municipality needs new laptops for a school, they send a request to all four companies. This is a mini-competition.

In the request, the municipality as contracting authority specifies:

• What they are purchasing (number and type of laptops)
• When they need the delivery
• Which award criteria apply (for example price and delivery time)
• Deadline for submitting tenders

All four suppliers receive the same information and equal time to respond. Those who wish to supply the laptops submit their tender before the deadline. The municipality then selects the best tender based on the award criteria they have specified.

Benefits of mini-competitions

For the contracting authority:

• Faster process than a full tender procedure
• Only qualified suppliers participate
• Still ensures healthy competition and the best offer

For suppliers:

• Easier to participate than in a full tender procedure
• Fewer competitors to contend with
• Familiar terms and conditions from the framework agreement

Digital tools like Cobrief can help both contracting authorities and suppliers keep track of mini-competitions and streamline the process of creating and responding to tenders.

In an era where efficient use of resources is becoming ever more important, mini-competitions are a useful tool for ensuring both healthy competition and efficient delivery of public procurement.