Lowest Price Criterion
As Gaeilge: Critéar an Phraghais Is Ísle
Also known as: Lowest Price Wins, Cheapest Compliant
Last reviewed April 2026
An award method where the contract goes to the cheapest compliant bid, allowed in Ireland only for fully specified, low-complexity requirements.
An evaluation approach where price is the only award criterion. Permitted in Ireland under Regulation 67 only where the requirement is fully specified and quality is not a differentiator (commodity supplies, standard works items). The OGP and Department of Public Expenditure discourage lowest-price awards on services and complex works because they can drive abnormally low tenders, poor performance and disputes. MEAT remains the default for most above-threshold contracts.
Sources and legal basis
Primary legislation and official guidance. Always confirm the current text on the source before relying on it.
Related terms
MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender)
The evaluation method that weighs quality alongside price: required for most above-threshold Irish contracts.
Award Criteria
The standards used to evaluate tenders and pick the winner, in Ireland either lowest price or MEAT.
Abnormally Low Tender
A bid so low the contracting authority must investigate before awarding: sustainability, labour law, or state-aid concerns.
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).
Office of Government Procurement (OGP)
Ireland's central purchasing body, established 2014: manages national frameworks and sets procurement policy.
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