Guide to Below-Threshold Procurement
The majority of public contracts fall below EU thresholds. Different, often less formal rules apply to these procurements.
How high are the EU thresholds for 2024/2025?
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.
Which law applies to below-threshold procurement?
- UVgO for supplies and services
- VOB/A Section 1 for construction works
Which procurement types exist below the threshold?
- Open tender, unlimited bidders, standard procedure
- Restricted tender, selected companies only
- Negotiated procedure, under specific conditions
- Direct award, up to 1,000 EUR without formal process
What is the difference between below-threshold and above-threshold procurement?
Below-threshold procurement features shorter deadlines, less formalism, regional publication, and limited legal protection compared to EU-wide procedures.
What opportunities does below-threshold procurement offer 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.