Public contracts are an opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses. Applications require administrative and financial information that is best prepared in advance.
What the public buyer checks
- Economic and financial capacity: turnover, results
- Tax and social compliance: up-to-date certificates
- Technical and professional capacity
- The absence of grounds for exclusion
Preparing your bids
- Keep up to date your tax and social compliance certificates.
- Have recent accounts and, if needed, a turnover certificate.
- Anticipate cash flow: payment terms, advances, possible withholdings.
- Organise subcontracting or a consortium, each with its own rules.
Mistakes that cost a contract
- An expired or missing certificate at the time of award.
- An inconsistent financial file between the turnover declared and the accounts filed.
- A price calculated without a forecast: staff costs, subcontracting, payment terms and price revisions must be costed.
- Undeclared subcontracting or a poorly organised consortium.
A simple habit
Prepare a standard file, updated at each year end: accounts, certificates, references, human and material resources. You save time with each bid and respond faster to short consultations.
Our support
Certificates and financial information for applications; on request and quoted, the contract forecast and cash-flow monitoring during its performance. See cash flow and forecasting
Frequently asked questions
Can a recently created business apply?
Yes. Without accounts, it can demonstrate its capacity by other means, provided for by public procurement rules.
What are the payment terms for public contracts?
They are set by regulation, with late-payment interest in case of delay.
Can we obtain an advance?
Advances are provided for in some contracts, depending on their amount and duration, notably for SMEs.
Where can I find calls for tender?
On public procurement platforms and buyers’ profiles. Monitoring services can send you the notices matching your activity.
Can several businesses bid together?
Yes, as a consortium or with declared subcontractors, under rules specific to public procurement.