Tilbudsordningen

Tilbudsordningen is a term used in public procurement contexts in some Scandinavian countries to describe a tender scheme designed to handle supplier offers for goods and services. It generally refers to a formal process where public authorities invite bids from suppliers or use pre-qualified lists within a framework agreement, with the aim of ensuring competition, transparency and value for money in purchases.

In practice, tilbudsordningen may involve establishing a framework of approved suppliers, publishing standard contract terms, and using predefined evaluation criteria. The process typically includes identifying a purchasing need, inviting bids or providing access to a pre-approved list, submitting and evaluating bids, awarding the contract, and ongoing contract management. The evaluation is usually based on a combination of price, quality, delivery, and other factors such as sustainability or social requirements.

The term is used primarily for municipal and regional procurement, often covering categories with predictable demand such as goods, office supplies, cleaning, or basic services. National procurement laws and, where applicable, EU procurement directives shape how tilbudsordningen is implemented, including requirements for openness, equal treatment, and the opportunity for competition. Critics note that if a tilbudsordning becomes too centralized or narrow, it can stifle competition; supporters argue that it reduces administrative burden, speeds up purchases, and improves price certainty through standardization and pre-qualified suppliers.