Skip to main content

Procurement Jargon Decoder

Paste any confusing section from an Irish or EU tender document and get a plain English translation with Irish-specific context.

Paste procurement text here

Copy and paste any confusing section from a tender document and we will translate it into plain English.

Why Procurement Language Is So Confusing

Irish public procurement documents are written to comply with EU directives and Irish regulations, which means they're full of legal and technical language that can be impenetrable to businesses new to the sector. Terms like "abnormally low tender", "standstill period", "prior information notice", and "selection criteria" have very specific meanings that affect how you bid.

The Jargon Decoder identifies every technical term in your pasted text, explains each one in plain English with Irish-specific context, and rewrites the full passage so you can understand what's actually being asked of you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are CPV codes in Irish procurement?
CPV (Common Procurement Vocabulary) codes are a standardised EU classification system for public contracts. Every Irish tender is tagged with CPV codes that describe what is being purchased, for example, 72000000 covers IT services. Knowing your CPV codes helps you find relevant tenders and ensures your business is discoverable to buyers.
What does MEAT criteria mean?
MEAT stands for Most Economically Advantageous Tender. It means the contract will not be awarded on price alone, factors like quality, technical merit, experience, or sustainability will also be scored. Most Irish public contracts above the EU threshold use MEAT criteria.
What is a framework agreement in public procurement?
A framework agreement is a pre-qualification arrangement where a contracting authority selects a panel of approved suppliers. Individual contracts are then awarded from the panel, either directly or through mini-competitions, without a full tender process each time. The OGP manages several national frameworks covering IT, professional services, and facilities.
What does OGP mean in Irish public procurement?
OGP stands for Office of Government Procurement. It is the Irish government body responsible for public procurement policy and manages national framework agreements. Getting on an OGP framework can provide a steady stream of contract opportunities without full tender competition each time.
What is a dynamic purchasing system (DPS)?
A DPS is an electronic marketplace for commonly purchased goods and services. Unlike a framework, it is open to new suppliers at any time during its life. Irish public bodies use DPS arrangements for categories like stationery, IT hardware, and training services.

TenderWatch Pro

Three matcher runs a month are free. Pro is unlimited.

Unlimited Tender Matcher runs, standing alerts each week and CSV export. EUR 49 a month, first month refunded if Pro shows you nothing worth reading.

See TenderWatch Pro

Related Tools

Tender MatcherBid ReadinessGlossary