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Frequently Asked Questions (updated September, 2011)

Some FAQs

Home_btn.gif (267 bytes) EC Procurement


EC Procurement Process FAQs

Home_btn.gif (267 bytes) [Top]Top of this page Services, What's new, Advice, LIMS news, Enquiries, Links, Legal [Back]Some FAQs
  • What does OJEU stand for?

OJEU stands for The Official Journal of the European Union. Public sector bodies are required to advertise their contract opportunities in the OJEU if the value exceeds the thresholds set by the EU.  The OJEU is a daily publication and subscriptions can be on CD-ROM.

  • What is a Directive?

A Directive is EU legislation which Member States must translate into national legislation.  Directives are binding on national governments and their agencies as soon as they are adopted - even though no legislation to implement them has yet been passed at national level.

  • What type of Procedures are there?
  • Open procedure - bidders can apply without prior selection
  • Restricted procedure - bidders selected by an open invitation
  • Accelerated procedure - shorter advertising periods permitted due to urgency
  • Negotiated procedure - where only chosen suppliers are invited to negotiate contracts
  • When do I have to advertise in the OJEU?

When the following thresholds are exceeded:

  • Supplies and Services including NHS Trusts - £101,323 (since January 2010) = €125,000
  • Works including NHS Trusts - £3,927,360 (since January 2010) = €4,845,000
  • What is the WTO?

The World Trade Organisation. For central government bodies the WTO rules on public sector procurement determine the threshold for advertising supplier contracts.

  • What is the GPA?

Government Procurement Agreement, part of GATT, which is now the WTO. Covers mainly central government departments and all NHS Trusts. Universities are funded centrally so may fall under the GPA. Local Authorities/Councils are not covered by this normally.

  • How many suppliers must I invite to tender?

This must either be a number or a range - but in any case, the number of candidates invited to tender shall be sufficient to ensure genuine competition.  The Restricted procedure range must number at least 5 suppliers and may be upto 20.  Under the Negotiated procedure the number of candidates admitted to negotiate may not be less than 3 providing there is a sufficient number of suitable candidate suppliers.


How can you contact Feltham Associates?
Carlton House, Kibworth Hall Park, Kibworth Harcourt, Leicestershire, UK LE8 0PE
Tel : +44 116 279 3232 - Fax : +44 116 279 2473 - Mobile: 07771 967323
email : Webmaster

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