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EU-wide: TED and the directives

Thresholds, eForms, where notices are published.

What wins points

Quantify the additional value with concrete metrics and provide supporting evidence; this demonstrates compliance with award criteria under Article 67 and scores points for innovation.

What gets bids disqualified

Missing or vague innovation description, lack of measurable benefits, or absent supporting evidence can lead to exclusion under Article 57 (mandatory ESPD fields) and disqualification when Article 31 is required.

Evaluator's view

Check that the innovation claim includes specific KPIs, dates, and verifiable evidence; ensure it aligns with any tender‑specific award criterion references.

EU-wide: TED and the Directives

What this is

A short guide for SME contractors on using the Tenders Electronic Daily (TED) portal and complying with the EU Public Procurement Directives when preparing tender submissions.

When you need it

When a contracting authority publishes a contract notice in TED – the official EU journal of public procurement – and the related tender documents refer to the 2014/24/EU Directive (and its amendments). This is mandatory for contracts above the thresholds set out in Article 4 of the Directive.

How to fill it in

  1. Locate the contract notice on https://ted.europa.eu using the reference number provided in the tender pack.
  2. Download the full tender dossier (PDFs, specifications, forms).
  3. Check the value estimation – if the net‑VAT amount is ≥ EUR 140 000 for central government contracts or ≥ EUR 215 000 for sub‑central authorities (thresholds from Article 4), the Directive applies.
  4. Complete the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) referencing Article 59 of the Directive – fill in all mandatory fields and upload the signed PDF.
  5. Verify that any required certificates (e.g., tax, social security) are up‑to‑date; attach them as separate files.
  6. Submit everything through the electronic procurement system indicated in the TED notice (e‑submission portal, e‑Procurement platform, etc.).

Template

[Tender reference number]
[Contracting authority name]
[Published on TED: URL]

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**Value estimation (net VAT):** €_____
*Check against Article 4 thresholds (EUR 140k central, EUR 215k sub‑central).

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**ESPD status:**
- ☐ Completed and signed
- ☐ Uploaded to e‑procurement portal (provide upload confirmation link)

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**Certificates attached:**
- Tax clearance certificate (date) – filename: ___.pdf
- Social security compliance (date) – filename: ___.pdf
- Other required certificates (list)

---
**Submission details:**
- Electronic portal used: __________
- Submission timestamp (auto‑generated): __________
- Confirmation receipt number: __________

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