Participate in public procurement procedures
Public procurement offers opportunities to market your products and services to public authorities in a range of fields, such as infrastructure, office supplies and new technologies. It helps improve public services and opens up new markets for all types of businesses (small and large companies, non-profit organisations, etc.).
What is public procurement?
Public procurement refers to contracts for consideration concluded between one or more contracting authorities (buyers) and one or more economic operators (companies, etc.) for the purpose of carrying out construction work, supplying goods, and providing services such as:
- the construction of schools or roads
- the purchase of office equipment
- the use of IT services
- etc.
Contracting authorities
In the context of public procurement, public authorities wanting to engage the services of an economic operator are referred to as the contracting authority. In Belgium, contracting authorities may belong to the different levels of government:
- the Federal Government
- the Regions
- the Communities
- the local authorities (such as municipalities, CPAS and provinces)
Who can participate in public procurement procedures?
Public procurement offers opportunities for all economic operators that provide the construction work, supplies or services that public authorities need to operate.
Any economic operator may participate in a public procurement procedure but must meet the contracting authority’s selection criteria. If it does not, the operator may be disqualified or, depending on the procedure, not permitted to submit a tender. These conditions may relate to financial, economic or technical capabilities. Winning a public procurement contract can ensure a stable income and help your business grow.
How does a public procurement procedure work?
Public procurement is governed by strict rules to ensure transparency, equality and fair competition among all economic operators. In other words, public authorities make their purchases in strict compliance with the procedure established by law.
As a general rule, public authorities will announce and describe the need that the economic operator must fulfil. Economic operators who meet the requirements may submit a tender , which will be evaluated by the authorities. After a review of the different proposals, the contract will be awarded to the best tender.
In Belgium, public procurement procedures are becoming increasingly digitised to provide you with simple, fast and efficient access to these different opportunities.
Where can I find more information and specific contracts?
Information on legislation
Information on public procurement and the relevant legislation is available on the website of the Federal Public Service Policy and Support (BOSA).
e-Procurement
Visit the e-Procurement platform to view calls for tenders and bid on public procurement contracts.
Frequently asked questions
What is public procurement?
Public procurement refers to contracts for consideration concluded between one or more contracting authorities (buyers) and one or more economic operators. They may include roadworks, construction projects, IT services, consulting or office supplies.
Who can participate in public procurement procedures?
Any economic operator may participate in a public procurement procedure but must meet the contracting authority’s selection criteria. If it does not, the operator may be disqualified or, depending on the procedure, not permitted to submit a tender.
Can SMEs participate in public procurement procedures?
Yes. Public procurement is open to businesses of all sizes, from SMEs and startups to large companies.
What are the requirements for participating in a public procurement procedure?
The public authorities responsible for public procurement may impose specific conditions, for example relating to financial, economic or technical capabilities.
Where can I find public procurement contracts in Belgium?
You can find specific calls for tenders on the Belgian government's e-Procurement platform. There, you can view public calls for tenders and submit tenders.
How does the public procurement procedure work?
Public procurement is conducted in accordance with legal procedures designed to guarantee transparency, equal treatment and fair competition.