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.
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.