Consortium bidding guide
What is consortium bidding and why is it useful for SMEs?
Consortium bidding enables small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland to collaborate and tender jointly for public contracts. Many times this can be competitors working together. This approach allows SMEs to join forces and helps overcome limitations in turnover, experience, or technical capacity to meet procurement requirements on their own. The CCPC has consulted with the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) on the guidance in the attached document. This page outlines the benefits, legal considerations, and best practices for consortium bidding.
Consortium bidding allows SMEs to join forces and submit joint tenders for public contracts. This collaborative approach is particularly beneficial when individual firms lack the scale, turnover or technical capacity to meet procurement requirements on their own.
How does consortium bidding align with Irish procurement policy?
The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) in Ireland encourages SMEs to consider forming consortia to access procurement opportunities.
What legal considerations must SMEs follow?
Consortium bidding must comply with Irish competition law. The CCPC has published a guide to help SMEs understand and adhere to these legal requirements. The guide was developed in consultation with the OGP and can be downloaded here.
Why might firms choose to form a consortium?
Consortium bidding often involves firms that are usually actual or potential competitors coming together to submit joint bids for public contracts, giving them an advantage when tendering for public contracts.
This can help firms to:
- Meet minimum turnover requirements collectively
- Combine experience and technical capacity
- Access larger or more complex procurement opportunities
How can SMEs ensure compliance with competition law?
It is essential that consortium members avoid anti-competitive behaviour. Collaboration must be limited to the scope of the joint bid and should not extend to market activities outside the consortium. Firms must ensure that their joint bidding does not become a vehicle for collusion or market manipulation.
