28 March 2023
The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) has today published Circular 05/2023 : Initiatives to assist SMEs in Public Procurement. Circular 05/2023 has been developed by the OGP following an extensive consultation process involving both public bodies and SME representatives. The circular is designed to further enable SMEs to compete for public contracts and replaces Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 10/2014.
Circular 05/2023 sets out positive measures for contracting authorities to take to promote SME participation in public procurement. Included amongst the measures are increases to the national advertising thresholds for goods, services and works for advertising contract opportunities on the national tendering portal www.etenders.gov.ie.
To coincide with the issuing of the circular, the OGP has published a dedicated webpage where public bodies can find further information on the circular including an FAQ.
Works Threshold for advertising on eTenders
The threshold at which contracting authorities are required to advertise all contracts for works on eTenders is now €200,000 (exclusive of VAT). Contracts for works with an estimated value less than €200,000 (exclusive of VAT) may still be advertised on eTenders. However, where it is decided not to advertise on eTenders, contracting authorities should seek a minimum of five written tenders from interested and competent contractors.
Works-related Services Threshold for advertising on eTenders
The threshold at which contracting authorities are required to advertise all contracts for works-related services remains at €50,000 (exclusive of VAT). Contracts for works-related services with an estimated value less than €50,000 (exclusive of VAT) may still be advertised on eTenders. Where it is decided not to advertise the contract, contracting authorities should seek a minimum of five written tenders from interested and competent consultants.