Standstill Period
As Gaeilge: Tréimhse Sos
Also known as: Alcatel Period
Last reviewed April 2026
A mandatory 14-day wait between award decision and contract signing, so unsuccessful bidders can challenge.
A mandatory waiting period (minimum 14 calendar days) between notifying tenderers of the contract award decision and signing the contract. Allows unsuccessful bidders to challenge the decision. Required for above-threshold contracts under Irish and EU law.
Sources and legal basis
Primary legislation and official guidance. Always confirm the current text on the source before relying on it.
Related terms
Contract Award Notice
The notice published after a contract is signed, naming the winner and the value: published on eTenders and TED.
Remedies Regulations
S.I. 130/2010 as amended, the rules letting unsuccessful bidders challenge a procurement decision in the High Court.
Debrief
Your right to a written explanation of why your bid lost, the highest-ROI feedback loop in public procurement.
Tender Validity Period
The period after submission during which a bidder is bound by its priced offer, commonly 90 to 180 days on Irish tenders.
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).