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Guide · procedures

Procedures under the Public Procurement Act – which applies when

The buyer chooses the procedure by the estimated value and the subject of the tender. Here are all types with their legal basis, the minimum deadlines and the steps for the bidder.

Procedures above the EU thresholds

For large tenders: they are also announced in the Official Journal of the EU.

Open procedureAnyone can submit a bid. The most common procedure for large tenders.30 days (15 with a prior information notice or urgency)Art. 73(1) and Art. 74 of the Public Procurement ActRestricted procedureTwo stages – requests from everyone, bids only from those invited.Requests 30 days, bids 25 daysArt. 75 of the Public Procurement ActCompetitive procedure with negotiationSelection, initial bids and negotiation for better terms.Requests 30 days, initial bids 25 daysArt. 73(2) and Art. 76 of the Public Procurement ActCompetitive dialogueDialogue with the bidders for complex tenders without a ready solution.Requests 30 daysArt. 77 of the Public Procurement ActInnovation partnershipDeveloping and buying something that is not yet on the market.Requests 30 daysArt. 78 of the Public Procurement ActNegotiation without prior noticeNo notice, only on expressly listed grounds.No bidding deadline – there is no noticeArt. 79 of the Public Procurement ActDesign contestAn independent jury chooses the best design.As stated in the noticeArt. 80 of the Public Procurement ActNegotiation with prior call for competitionOnly for sector buyers – water, energy, transport, postal services.Requests 30 days, bids at least 10 daysArt. 132 and Art. 135 of the Public Procurement Act

National procedures

Below the EU thresholds: shorter deadlines and fewer formalities.

Public competitionThe most common procedure below the EU thresholds. Anyone can take part.20 days (10 with prior information or urgency)Art. 176–181 of the Public Procurement ActDirect negotiationThe buyer invites particular parties and negotiates with them.As stated in the invitationArt. 182 of the Public Procurement ActCollection of offers by noticeA simplified procedure for smaller tenders – the easiest start.10 days from the publication of the noticeArt. 186–190, 192–194 of the Public Procurement ActInvitation to selected personsThe buyer invites chosen parties instead of publishing a notice.As stated in the invitationArt. 191 of the Public Procurement ActAward without a procedure (below the thresholds)Below the thresholds the buyer buys directly, without a procedure.None – not announcedArt. 20(4)–(6) of the Public Procurement Act

Framework agreements and systems

How contracts are awarded under agreements and systems already in place.

Framework agreement and internal competitive selectionAn agreement for years ahead; the contracts are awarded under it.A reasonable time set in the invitationArt. 81–82 of the Public Procurement ActDynamic purchasing systemAn electronic system you can join at any time.Requests 30 days; bids at least 10 daysArt. 83–88 of the Public Procurement Act

Thresholds

The procedure is chosen by the estimated value of the tender excluding VAT (Art. 20 of the Public Procurement Act). The amounts in euros follow the official table of the Public Procurement Agency; the law states them in leva.

National thresholds

Type of contractPublic competition or direct negotiationCollection of offers by notice or invitationNo procedure (direct award)
Worksfrom €153,387.56 to €5,381,917.65from €40,903.35 to €153,387.56below €40,903.35
Supplies and servicesfrom €51,129.19 to the EU thresholdfrom €25,564.59 to €51,129.19below €25,564.59
Social and other specific services (Annex No. 2)from €51,129.19 to €749,988.50–below €51,129.19

EU thresholds for 2026–2027

Above them the tender is also announced in the Official Journal of the EU and awarded by an open, restricted or other procedure under the directives.

Type of contractThreshold
Works and concessions€5,404,000
Supplies and services – central authorities€140,000
Supplies and services – other buyers (municipalities, hospitals etc.)€216,000
Supplies and services – sector buyers€432,000
Social and other specific services€750,000 (sector: €1,000,000)

> Note: The Public Procurement Act states the EU thresholds with slightly lower amounts (for example €5,381,917.65 for works and €139,997.85 for supplies and services of public buyers). A buyer may always choose the procedure for a higher value – then all its rules apply.

> Tip: Below the national thresholds there is no procedure: the buyer may buy directly. For supplies and services the expense can be proved with an invoice alone, without a written contract.

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