Kelpoisuusvaatimus

Kelpoisuusvaatimus is a term used in Finnish public procurement to describe the eligibility requirements that a bidder must satisfy in order to participate in a tender and potentially be awarded a contract. The concept rests on the aim of ensuring that only capable and trustworthy economic operators can perform the contract and that competitions are fair, transparent, and proportionate.

Kelpoisuusvaatimukset can be categorized as yleiset (general) and erityiset (specific). General eligibility requirements relate to the bidder’s legal and financial standing, such as valid business license or registration, not being bankrupt or under a comparable insolvency procedure, and not having prohibitions from competing in procurement. They also cover basic economic and financial capabilities, for example sufficient turnover or economic solvency to carry out the contract.

Special eligibility requirements are linked to the specific contract and may concern technical and professional capability. This includes relevant experience, qualifications of personnel, availability of necessary equipment or facilities, quality management systems, and the ability to meet technical standards or performance criteria. References and past performance can also serve as evidence of competence.

In practice, contracting authorities set kelpoisuusvaatimukset in procurement documents. Bidders prove eligibility through declarations and supporting documents such as certificates, audited accounts, or references. The requirements must be non-discriminatory, proportionate to the contract, and transparent, and bidders that fail to meet them are typically excluded from the competition. The concept helps ensure reliable execution and integrity in public procurement processes.