Can a smaller company bid if it misses the turnover rule?

Sometimes, as part of a consortium or as a subcontractor, if the buyer allows it. The documents say whether they do.

Guide

Tender financial eligibility: turnover, insurance and guarantees

Money rules are the most common reason a supplier cannot bid. They are also the easiest to check, because they are numbers.

44,730open notices that state a value, from the official sources SLETOR reads.

Turnover

Many buyers ask for a yearly turnover of up to twice the yearly contract value. Check whether the rule uses your last year, an average over several years, or turnover in a specific field.

Insurance

Look for the amount, the type (public liability, employer's liability, professional indemnity) and whether you need it at the bid deadline or only at contract start.

Guarantees and bonds

Some contracts ask for a performance bond or a bank guarantee. These cost money and take time to arrange. Find out early.

Currency

Foreign tenders state amounts in their own currency. Convert carefully and note the rate you used.

Questions

Can a smaller company bid if it misses the turnover rule?: Sometimes, as part of a consortium or as a subcontractor, if the buyer allows it. The documents say whether they do.