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Economic Operator

As Gaeilge: Oibreoir Eacnamaíoch

Also known as: EO, Tenderer, Bidder, Supplier

Last reviewed April 2026

The EU procurement term for any supplier, contractor or service provider (an individual, firm, or consortium) that bids for or performs a public contract.

Used throughout EU and Irish public procurement law for any natural or legal person, public entity or grouping of such persons that offers to execute works, supply products or provide services on the market. An economic operator can be a sole trader, an SME, a multinational, a state body, or a consortium of these. The term covers both bidders and the eventual contractor and is the language used in directive-based notices on eTenders.gov.ie and TED.

In the Tenderwatch data

  • Appears in 188 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.

Open Irish tenders featuring Economic Operator

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