Creating a Participation Request
In two-stage procurement procedures, companies must first apply with a participation request. Only those who pass the first stage are invited to submit bids.
When do I need a participation request in a procurement procedure?
Required for restricted procedures, negotiated procedures with competition, and competitive dialogues under VgV regulations.
What is the difference between a participation request and a bid?
A participation request is not a bid. You do not submit prices or detailed solutions. Instead, you demonstrate your eligibility and competence.
What goes into a participation request?
- Formal documents (application forms, self-declarations, trade register)
- Eligibility evidence (revenue, references, staff qualifications)
- Selection criteria responses (optimized for scoring)
How do I optimize my participation request for the selection criteria?
- Study the scoring scheme and align your documents
- Select references that maximize points
- Highlight key personnel qualifications
- Consider forming a consortium to fill competency gaps
Which mistakes should I avoid in a participation request?
- Confusing with a bid (too much solution detail)
- Non-comparable references
- Missing documents
- Missing the deadline
What happens after I submit the participation request?
Wait for evaluation results. If selected, you receive the invitation to tender. Begin bid preparation immediately.