Request for Tender (RFT)
As Gaeilge: Iarratas ar Thairiscint
Also known as: RFT
Last reviewed April 2026
The Irish public-sector term for a tender pack inviting formal bids on a contract.
The full document set issued by a contracting authority to invite bids on a public contract. An RFT typically includes the contract notice, terms of reference or specification, evaluation criteria, draft contract, ESPD, and submission instructions. RFT is the term most commonly used by Irish buyers on eTenders.gov.ie; in the UK and EU directives the equivalent is often called an Invitation to Tender.
In the Tenderwatch data
- Appears in 186 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 Request for Tender (RFT)
249/25 Request for tender for maintenance and repair services for Fume Cupboards and associated equipment at Atlantic Technological University
Atlantic Technological University · deadline 12 Aug 2026
DF Merchandise RFT
Irish Defence Forces · deadline 12 Aug 2026
AG3786C UL RFT for the Provision of Equitation Services.
Education Procurement Service (EPS) · deadline 17 Aug 2026
RFT for the Provision of Shunting Services at Medite Europe DAC'26
Medite Europe DAC · deadline 18 Aug 2026
Request for Tender for the Provision of Drainage Cleaning, Inspection and Maintenance Services for the Shannon Airport Group
Shannon Group plc · deadline 20 Aug 2026
Related terms
Invitation to Tender (ITT)
The formal invitation, with full specification and contract terms, sent to qualified bidders.
Contract Notice
The formal advertisement of a procurement opportunity: above-threshold notices go to eTenders and TED.
eTenders
Ireland's national e-procurement platform at etenders.gov.ie, where public contracts over €50,000 (goods/services) must be advertised.
Contracting Authority
A public body that buys goods, services, or works with public funds: departments, councils, the HSE, ETBs, etc.
ESPD (European Single Procurement Document)
Standardised self-declaration confirming you meet exclusion grounds and selection criteria: required on EU-threshold tenders.