The public competition is the most frequently used procedure in Bulgaria. It is like the open procedure, but with shorter deadlines and for tenders below the EU thresholds. Anyone can submit a bid.
When it applies
When the estimated value is within the limits of Art. 20(2) of the Public Procurement Act:
| Type of contract | Value excl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Works | from €153,387.56 to €5,381,917.65 |
| Supplies and services | from €51,129.19 to the EU threshold |
How it runs
- The buyer publishes the decision, the notice and the documents in CAIS EOP.
- Within 3 days of publication anyone may ask for the terms to be changed. The buyer may change them once – the change is sent for publication within 7 days (5 with a shortened deadline).
- Clarifications: request up to 5 days before the deadline, answer within 3 days.
- Bids are submitted in CAIS EOP: ESPD, technical and price proposal.
- The committee may first evaluate the bids and then check the selection only of those ranked (Art. 181(2)).
- The decision on the contractor is issued within 10 days of the approval of the minutes and may be appealed before the CPC within 10 days.
Deadlines
| Situation | Minimum deadline for bids |
|---|---|
| Normally | 20 days |
| With a prior information notice | 10 days |
| In urgency | 10 days |
| A site visit is needed | + 5 days |
> Tip: Check when the committee checks the selection. If it evaluates first and then checks only the top of the ranking, any error in your documents will come to light exactly when you are closest to the contract.
What to watch for
- Use the 3-day window to ask for changes if a condition is disproportionate or restricts competition.
- Clarifications are published for everyone – follow them until the last day.
- See the most common mistakes of first-time bidders.
Updated on 3 Oct 2026. General information, not legal advice. The Public Procurement Act, its implementing regulation and the tender documents prevail.
