tender procedure

A tender procedure is a formal process where a contracting authority invites multiple suppliers to submit bids for goods or services. This is especially common in public tenders, where strict rules govern how the competition must be conducted to ensure fair treatment of all participants.

How does a tender procedure work?

Preparation and publication

• The contracting authority prepares tender documentation describing what they want to purchase
• The competition is typically published on Doffin, Norway's national database for public procurement
• The tender documentation specifies qualification criteria and award criteria

Execution

• Suppliers who meet the qualification criteria can participate
• Each supplier submits their bid before the deadline
• The contracting authority evaluates the bids based on the award criteria
• The best supplier is selected, followed by a standstill period before the final contract conclusion

Example of a tender procedure

Let's say a municipality needs to purchase new furniture for its town hall. They would prepare tender documentation specifying:

• Which furniture they need (type, quantity, quality)
• Requirements for the supplier (finances, experience, capacity)
• How bids will be evaluated (price, quality, delivery time)
• Deadlines and practical information

Suppliers can then submit their bids. The municipality evaluates all bids and selects the best one based on the stated criteria.

Modern tools like Cobrief make it easier for suppliers to participate in tender procedures by automating parts of the process and providing a better overview of relevant opportunities.

A tender procedure ensures that contracting authorities receive the best possible bids while giving all suppliers a fair chance to win the contract. This is especially important in the public sector, where there is a responsibility to use public funds wisely.