Procurement procedure · Free
Below-threshold and national procedures
Where EU directives do not apply and national rules govern.
Below-threshold and national procedures
What this is
A short procurement process that applies when the estimated contract value is below the EU thresholds set out in Article 4 of Directive 2014/24/EU. In these cases EU rules do not apply; instead, the contracting authority must follow its own national legislation.
When you need it
Use this procedure for contracts whose net‑value (VAT excluded) is under the threshold(s) listed in Article 4 (e.g., €134 000 for central public authorities, €207 000 for sub‑central authorities). It is usually mandatory wherever the estimated value falls below those limits. The procedure may be optional if national law allows an even simpler approach.
How to fill it in
- Determine the contract value – add up all supplies, works and services you intend to procure; exclude VAT. Use the figures from your own cost model.
- Check the applicable threshold – consult Article 4 of Directive 2014/24/EU (see Sources). If the value is lower, proceed with national law.
- Identify the relevant national legislation – each Member State publishes its own rules for “below‑threshold” procurement (often called de‑minimis or light regime procedures). Locate the official webpage or legal text and note the reference number.
- Prepare the required documents – typically a simplified tender notice, an evaluation sheet, and a contract award decision. Use the national templates if available; otherwise create a one‑page summary covering:
- Description of the goods/services
- Estimated value
- Selection criteria (e.g., price only)
- Publish and invite bidders – follow the national deadline for posting the notice (check the tender documents — this varies by authority). Record the date of publication.
- Evaluate offers – apply the pre‑announced criteria, document the scoring, and select the lowest compliant bid.
- Sign the contract – ensure signatures, taxpayer identification numbers and any required certificates are attached.
What wins points
Although award criteria are set by the contracting authority, following the MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender) principle demonstrates professionalism:
- Show that you have compared price with quality or sustainability where required in the tender pack.
- Quantify any added value (e.g., delivery time, warranty length) using clear metrics.
- Provide evidence of compliance with national financial‑capacity requirements; this removes a common cause for disqualification.
How this gets you disqualified
- Missing or incorrect contract value – if the calculated value exceeds the threshold but the authority treats it as below‑threshold, the procedure is void.
- Failure to follow national law – using EU‑style forms or ignoring a required public notice can lead to annulment.
- Incomplete documentation – absent signatures, tax numbers or mandatory certificates (e.g., VAT exemption) result in rejection.
- Late submission – missing the national deadline for publication or award is a ground for exclusion.
Template
[CONTRACT TITLE] 1. Contract description: [Brief description of goods/services] 2. Estimated net value (VAT excluded): €______ 3. Applicable threshold (Article 4, Directive 2014/24/EU): €______(central) / €______(sub‑central) 4. National legal basis for below‑threshold procedure: [Reference to national law, e.g., "Law No. 123/2022 – Public Procurement (De‑minimis)" ] 5. Publication date of notice: ____ / ____ / ____ 6. Selection criteria (e.g., lowest price, best value): - Criterion 1: ______________________ - Criterion 2: ______________________ 7. Evaluation sheet (attach separate file): [Bidder name] – Price €______ – Score ______ 8. Award decision: Contractor: _____________ Contract signed on: ____ / ____ / ____ Signatures: ___________________________
What wins points
Demonstrating compliance with the national below‑threshold regime and a clear MEAT evaluation shows professionalism and can earn extra points for economic advantage.
How this gets you disqualified
Missing the correct contract value, failing to follow the national law, or incomplete documentation leads to immediate disqualification.
What an evaluator actually looks for
Check that the estimated net value is below Article 4 thresholds and that all required national‑law documents are present before assessing price.
Sources
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