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Procurement ProcessIntermediate10 min read

Guide to Below-Threshold Procurement

What applies to procurements below EU thresholds – UVgO, VOB/A, and the key rules.

Steps Overview

  1. 1

    Know the Thresholds

    Learn current EU thresholds and the distinction between above and below-threshold procurement.

  2. 2

    Understand the Legal Framework

    Familiarize yourself with UVgO (supplies/services) and VOB/A Section 1 (construction).

  3. 3

    Distinguish Procurement Types

    Understand procurement types: open tender, restricted tender, negotiated procedure, direct award.

  4. 4

    Note Specifics

    Note simplified rules for below-threshold procurement: shorter deadlines, less formalism.

  5. 5

    Assess Legal Protection

    Understand the limited legal protection options in below-threshold procurement.

Guide to Below-Threshold Procurement

The majority of public contracts fall below EU thresholds. Different, often less formal rules apply to these procurements.

EU Thresholds

Thresholds vary by contract type: supplies/services range from 143,000-221,000 EUR, construction is 5,538,000 EUR. Below these values, national procurement rules apply.

Legal Framework

  • UVgO for supplies and services
  • VOB/A Section 1 for construction works

Procurement Types

  1. Open tender – unlimited bidders, standard procedure
  2. Restricted tender – selected companies only
  3. Negotiated procedure – under specific conditions
  4. Direct award – up to 1,000 EUR without formal process

Differences from Above-Threshold

Below-threshold procurement features shorter deadlines, less formalism, regional publication, and limited legal protection compared to EU-wide procedures.

Opportunities for SMEs

Below-threshold procurement is ideal for SMEs: regional preference, lower eligibility requirements, shorter procedures, and less bureaucracy. Use Patterno HIT to find these often regionally published opportunities.

Related Guides

Procurement Process

Finding Your First Tender

Procurement Process

Understanding Tender Documents

Special Topics

Bidding on EU Tenders

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