Conflict of Interest
As Gaeilge: Coinbhleacht Leasa
Also known as: COI
Last reviewed April 2026
Any situation where a person involved in a procurement has a private interest that could compromise impartiality, must be declared and managed.
Defined in Regulation 24 of S.I. 284/2016, a conflict of interest covers any situation where staff of a contracting authority, or providers acting on their behalf, have direct or indirect financial, economic or personal interests that could be perceived to compromise their impartiality. Authorities must take appropriate measures to prevent, identify and remedy conflicts. Failure to manage a conflict can lead to a discretionary exclusion of the affected bidder and can ground a challenge under the Remedies Regulations.
In the Tenderwatch data
- Appears in 1 notices captured in the last 12 months on Tenderwatch (as at August 2026).
Sources and legal basis
Primary legislation and official guidance. Always confirm the current text on the source before relying on it.
Related terms
Exclusion Grounds
Reasons a bidder must (mandatory) or may (discretionary) be barred from competing: convictions, tax debt, insolvency, prior misconduct.
Remedies Regulations
S.I. 130/2010 as amended, the rules letting unsuccessful bidders challenge a procurement decision in the High Court.
Debrief
Your right to a written explanation of why your bid lost, the highest-ROI feedback loop in public procurement.
Contracting Authority
A public body that buys goods, services, or works with public funds: departments, councils, the HSE, ETBs, etc.
Economic Operator
The EU procurement term for any supplier, contractor or service provider (an individual, firm, or consortium) that bids for or performs a public contract.