Guides / How to read a tender notice
How to read a tender notice
A contract notice tells you in two pages whether a tender is worth your time, if you know where to look. Notices on TED, Find a Tender and national portals follow the same standard structure (the eForms standard in the EU since October 2023), so once you can read one you can read them all.
Reviewed 8 Oct 2026 by the Bidstage team.
The fields that matter first
| Field | What to check |
|---|---|
| Buyer | Who is buying, and whether a central purchasing body is buying for many others (that usually means a framework). |
| Title and description | The scope in plain words. Read it twice and note what is not included. |
| CPV codes | The main code says what is being bought; additional codes list other parts of the work. |
| Estimated value | Total value over the full term including options and extensions, excluding VAT in the EU, including VAT in the UK. |
| Lots | Separate parts you can bid for. Note any limit on how many lots one bidder can win. |
| Duration | Start date, length and possible renewals. |
| Procedure | Open (anyone can tender), restricted (shortlist first), competitive with negotiation, competitive dialogue or a framework call-off. |
| Time limit for receipt of tenders | The deadline. Note the time zone. Late tenders are rejected. |
Exclusion and selection criteria
Exclusion grounds remove bidders with, for example, convictions for fraud or unpaid taxes. Selection criteria test whether you can do the job: minimum turnover (in the EU usually capped at twice the contract value), insurance, similar contracts in the last three years (five for works), certifications and staff qualifications.
If you miss a selection criterion, you are out regardless of price. Check these before anything else, and consider relying on a partner's capacity or forming a consortium if you fall short.
Award criteria and weighting
Contracts are awarded on the most economically advantageous tender. The notice or documents list the criteria and their weights, for example quality 60 percent and price 40 percent. A high quality weighting means a well-written response can beat a cheaper competitor. A price-only award means your price must be the lowest compliant one.
Documents, questions and the deadline
- The notice links to the procurement documents: specification, contract terms, pricing schedule and response forms. Download everything.
- There is usually a deadline for clarification questions, several days before the tender deadline. Answers are shared with all bidders.
- Note any site visit, mandatory forms (such as the ESPD in the EU) and the language your tender must be written in.
Questions
What is the difference between a contract notice and a prior information notice?
A prior information notice announces a planned purchase, sometimes months ahead. A contract notice (tender notice in the UK) starts the competition and sets the deadline.
Where do I find the evaluation criteria?
In the notice section on award criteria and in the procurement documents, often in an evaluation or instructions to tenderers document. In US federal solicitations, Section M describes evaluation.