MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender)
As Gaeilge: An Tairiscint is Buntáistí ó Thaobh na hEacnamaíochta de
Also known as: Most Economically Advantageous Tender
Last reviewed April 2026
The evaluation method that weighs quality alongside price — required for most above-threshold Irish contracts.
The evaluation method that considers quality and other factors alongside price. Contracting authorities assign weightings to criteria (e.g., 60% quality, 40% price). Required for most above-threshold contracts in Ireland. Sub-criteria must be transparent and published in the tender documents.
Related terms
Award Criteria
The standards used to evaluate tenders and pick the winner — in Ireland either lowest price or MEAT.
Lowest Price Criterion
An award method where the contract goes to the cheapest compliant bid, allowed in Ireland only for fully specified, low-complexity requirements.
Value for Money
The Irish public-sector test for procurement decisions, balancing cost, quality and fitness for purpose over the contract's life.
Life-Cycle Costing
An evaluation method that scores bids on total cost of ownership over the asset's life, not just purchase price.