What is a Self-Declaration?
A Self-Declaration (Eigenerklärung) is a written statement by a bidder asserting the existence or non-existence of certain facts. It serves as preliminary proof of eligibility and reduces bureaucratic burden in the procurement process.
Significance
Self-declarations are central to eligibility assessment:
- Reduced bureaucracy: Bidders need not obtain all individual proofs for every tender
- Preliminary evidence: The self-declaration initially replaces original proofs
- Verification: Actual proofs are requested from the best bidder before award
- Criminal liability: False self-declarations may constitute fraud
Typical Self-Declarations
Exclusion grounds: No criminal convictions, no professional misconduct, proper payment of taxes and social contributions, no insolvency.
Eligibility: Annual turnover, number of employees, references and experience, technical equipment.
Special requirements: Wage compliance, sanctions list screening, data protection commitments.
European Single Procurement Document (ESPD)
For EU procurements, the standardized ESPD replaces national self-declarations above EU thresholds. Bidders provisionally confirm fulfillment of all eligibility criteria using this EU-wide standard form.
Consequences of False Declarations
False information leads to bid exclusion, procurement debarment, criminal consequences (fraud), and potential damages claims.