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.
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.