Hindamiskatsed

Hindamiskatsed is a term used in Estonian procurement practice to refer to the evaluation of bids or offers in a tender process. The goal is to determine the most economically advantageous tender by assessing bids against predefined criteria, primarily price but also other factors such as quality, functionality, and lifecycle costs.

During hindamiskatsed, procurement officials compare bid prices and assess non-price elements. Techniques include calculating total cost of ownership, price realism checks to avoid inflated or unrealistically low bids, and applying a scoring system that combines price with qualitative criteria. Some evaluations use a price–quality ratio to balance cost with features, service levels, warranties, and delivery terms. The process often involves market price benchmarking and verification of bid details.

Hindamiskatsed are conducted by an evaluation committee as part of the public procurement procedure. The outcomes are documented in an award decision and, typically, a comparison matrix, with bidders ranked according to the predefined scoring rules. The process is designed to be transparent, auditable, and compliant with the governing legislation, such as the Estonian riigihangete seadus, ensuring equal treatment of bidders and the ability to challenge decisions.

In practice, hindamiskatsed are used across sectors—construction, IT, services—and can be adapted for different procurement types, including open, restricted, or negotiated procedures. They require clear criteria, training, and careful data handling to avoid bias and ensure objective selection.