Ordregiver

Ordregiver is a Danish term used in public procurement to denote the contracting authority or the purchasing entity that initiates and manages a procurement process. The ordregiver is typically responsible for defining the need, setting the requirements, and guiding the entire procurement from start to contract award and beyond.

In practice, an ordregiver can be a public sector body such as a municipality, region, or ministry, and it may also be a private organization that is designated as a contracting authority under relevant procurement rules. The role encompasses preparing procurement documents (including specifications, terms and conditions, and evaluation criteria), publishing procurement notices, selecting a tender procedure, evaluating bids, and awarding the contract. After award, the ordregiver manages contract performance, handles amendments within regulatory limits, and ensures compliance with applicable laws.

The process generally follows formal procedures to promote competition, transparency, and equal treatment of bidders. Procedures may include open, restricted, or negotiated methods, in line with national laws and, where applicable, EU directives. Notices are typically published on official portals, and bid evaluation is conducted against predefined criteria.

Legal oversight and remedies are part of the ordregiver’s environment. Suppliers who allege non-compliance or unequal treatment can pursue remedies, such as complaints to the Klagenævnet for offentlige indkøb (the Danish Complaints Board for Public Procurement).

Etymologically, ordregiver comes from the Danish words for “to order” (ordre) and “giver” (giver), reflecting the entity’s role as the issuer of a purchase or contract.