Direct award procedure

Direct award to a single supplier, with no competing bids involved.

In a direct award procedure, the contracting authority awards the contract straight to a supplier of its choice, with no other bidder able to submit an offer. Of all the procedure types, it leaves the least room for competition.

It is generally only permitted below the lowest threshold, or when a legally defined exception applies, such as urgency, a technical sole-source situation, or an extension of an existing contract. The authority has to be able to justify the choice.

For suppliers, a direct award normally does not involve a formal bid. Opportunities arise through reputation, existing agreements, or a direct approach from the authority.