Electronic Auction (e-auction)
As Gaeilge: Ceant Leictreonach
Also known as: Reverse Auction, Electronic Reverse Auction
Last reviewed April 2026
A reverse auction stage at the end of a tender process where qualified bidders compete in real time on price (and sometimes other quantifiable criteria).
A real-time online bidding stage that contracting authorities can run after initial tender evaluation, where shortlisted suppliers submit successively lower prices. Permitted under the 2014 EU directives and used in Ireland mainly for off-the-shelf supplies and standard services where price is the dominant criterion. The auction format and minimum bid decrement must be set in the tender documents.
Related terms
MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender)
The evaluation method that weighs quality alongside price — required for most above-threshold Irish contracts.
Framework Agreement
A pre-qualification arrangement where a panel of approved suppliers compete for call-off contracts.
Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS)
An electronic system, open for new suppliers to join at any point during its lifetime.