The type of procedure depends on the estimated value of the tender and on its subject – works, supplies or services. The law sets thresholds; above them the heavier and longer procedures apply, below them lighter ones. The thresholds change over time, so always check the current text of Art. 20 of the Public Procurement Act rather than figures learnt by heart.
Open procedure
Used for the largest tenders – those above the EU thresholds, which are also published in TED, the supplement to the Official Journal of the EU. Anyone can submit a bid. The deadlines are the longest, the requirements the most detailed, and the competition often includes foreign companies. The restricted procedure and the competitive procedure with negotiation are variants for more complex subjects, where candidates are selected first.
Public competition
The most common “national” procedure – for tenders below the EU thresholds but above the threshold for a notice. Its structure is like the open procedure, but the deadlines are shorter. This is where you find the most tenders suitable for small and medium-sized companies.
Collection of offers by notice and invitation to selected persons
For smaller tenders the buyer publishes a notice and collects offers within a short time. The documents are lighter, but the requirements for the content of the bid are the same – an incomplete bid is excluded here too. With an “invitation to selected persons” the buyer invites at least three companies; if you are not among them you cannot take part, but you may be invited next time if the buyer knows you.
Negotiation without prior notice
Used in expressly listed cases – urgency, a single possible contractor, additional supplies. There is no open competition; the buyer negotiates with chosen companies. For a new bidder these tenders are practically closed, but they are useful information on who works with the buyer.
Framework agreements, dynamic systems, qualification systems
These are not one-off tenders but “doors” to a series of future tenders:
- Framework agreement – the buyer selects several contractors for a period of years and then awards specific contracts only among them, often through an internal competitive selection.
- Dynamic purchasing system (DPS) – it stays open for its whole term; you can apply to join at any time and then take part in the specific tenders.
- Qualification system – a similar logic for sector buyers (energy, transport, water).
If you work with a buyer that announces such systems, apply to join at once – otherwise you lose access to all its tenders for years ahead.
What this means for you
- Look at the type of procedure before anything else: it tells you how much time you have and how serious the competition is.
- Public competitions and notices are where a new company most easily wins its first contract.
- Open dynamic purchasing systems and long-term qualification systems are the most overlooked opportunity – the competition in them is often smaller.
Updated on 1 Oct 2026. The article is general information, not legal advice.
