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Lots strategy for small contractors
Using division into lots (Art 46) to compete against larger firms.
What wins points
A clear, compliant lot strategy that aligns with Article 46 and demonstrates meeting the financial thresholds of Article 4 shows you understand the procurement procedure and scores well under the selection criteria.
What gets bids disqualified
Missing the lot‑submission intent, exceeding the maximum number of lots, or failing to provide evidence for the required financial thresholds results in automatic disqualification under Articles 46 and 4.
Evaluator's view
Check first that the bidder has indicated a valid submission intent (single/multiple/all lots) per Article 46 and supplied proof of meeting the lot’s financial threshold as required by Article 4.
Lots strategy for small contractors
What this is
A brief guide on how a small contractor can use the division of contracts into lots (Article 46) to increase their chances of winning a public tender by focusing on manageable portions rather than competing for large, complex contracts.
When you need it
Use this during the pre‑tender planning stage when reviewing the contract notice or procurement documents that indicate whether the procedure allows submission for one, several, or all lots. It is particularly useful when the tender authority proposes multiple lots and the contractor lacks capacity to fulfil the whole contract.
How to fill it in
- Identify from the contract notice (or the invitation to confirm interest) whether the procurement permits submissions per‑lot, for several lots, or for all lots.
- List each lot offered, noting its subject‑matter, estimated value, and any technical thresholds (e.g., minimum turnover). Use the data in the tender pack – copy it verbatim.
- For each lot, assess your own capacity (staff, equipment, financial limits) against the lot’s requirements. Mark “Yes/No” for each capability.
- Select the subset of lots where you can fully satisfy the criteria and where the estimated value fits within the financial thresholds in Article 4.
- Justify your selection in a short paragraph, referencing the contract notice sections that allow per‑lot submission (Article 46 paragraphs 1‑2).
- If you intend to bid for multiple lots, indicate the maximum number of lots per tenderer as stated by the authority (Article 46(2)).
- Attach any required supporting documents (e.g., financial statements) that demonstrate compliance with the thresholds.
Template
# Lot Strategy – [PROJECT NAME] ## Selected Lots | Lot ID | Description | Estimated Value (€) | Meets Financial Threshold? (Y/N) | Capacity Notes | |--------|-------------|--------------------|-----------------------------------|---------------| | 1 | [LOT DESCRIPTION] | [VALUE] | [Y/N] | [CAPACITY DETAILS] | 2 | … | … | … | … ## Submission Intent - ☐ Submit for a single lot only - ☐ Submit for multiple lots (max [NUMBER] as per notice) - ☐ Submit for all lots ## Justification Provide a brief justification referencing the contract notice sections that allow per‑lot submission and state why you have selected these specific lots.
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