ESPD (European Single Procurement Document)
As Gaeilge: Doiciméad Aonair Soláthair Eorpach
Also known as: ESPD, European Single Procurement Document
Last reviewed April 2026
Standardised self-declaration confirming you meet exclusion grounds and selection criteria: required on EU-threshold tenders.
The ESPD is a standardised self-declaration form used across all EU member states for above-threshold procurements. Bidders confirm they are not subject to mandatory or discretionary exclusion grounds (criminal convictions, tax non-compliance, insolvency, etc.) and that they meet the selection criteria for the tender. Only the winning bidder is required to produce supporting documentation (certificates of tax clearance, company accounts, insurance, etc.): saving administrative effort for the rest of the field. Completed online via the eTenders system or the European Commission's ESPD service.
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.
Selection Criteria
Minimum requirements a supplier must meet to be considered: financial standing, technical capability, tax clearance.
Tax Clearance Certificate
A Revenue certificate confirming tax compliance: required for any Irish public contract over €10,000.
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.
Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)
A questionnaire used in restricted procedures to shortlist suppliers on capacity and experience before they are invited to tender.
Selection Questionnaire
A standardised questionnaire used at the selection stage to confirm a bidder meets minimum capacity and exclusion-ground requirements.
Threshold
The value above which specific procurement rules apply: €50k national, €140k/€216k EU services, €5.404M EU works (2026–2027 cycle, effective 1 January 2026).
eTenders
Ireland's national e-procurement platform at etenders.gov.ie, where public contracts over €50,000 (goods/services) must be advertised.