Consortium Bid
As Gaeilge: Tairiscint Cuibhreannais
Also known as: Bidding Consortium, Tender Consortium
Last reviewed April 2026
A joint tender by two or more firms that team up to meet selection requirements or scale they could not meet alone.
Two or more economic operators bidding together as a grouping under Regulation 19 of S.I. 284/2016. Common where a contract requires capabilities, geographic reach or financial standing beyond any one firm. Each consortium member typically completes the ESPD and is jointly checked against exclusion grounds. The consortium agreement should allocate roles, IP, liability and profit share, and confirm joint and several liability if the contracting authority requires it.
Sources and legal basis
Primary legislation and official guidance. Always confirm the current text on the source before relying on it.
Related terms
Joint Venture
A formal commercial vehicle (often an incorporated company or partnership) set up by two or more firms to deliver a public contract together.
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.
ESPD (European Single Procurement Document)
Standardised self-declaration confirming you meet exclusion grounds and selection criteria: required on EU-threshold tenders.
Contracting Authority
A public body that buys goods, services, or works with public funds: departments, councils, the HSE, ETBs, etc.
Exclusion Grounds
Reasons a bidder must (mandatory) or may (discretionary) be barred from competing: convictions, tax debt, insolvency, prior misconduct.
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