The EU tendering thresholds for those EU countries that have not adopted the euro are benchmarked against the euro every two years. The European Commission has just set out the new thresholds from 1st January 2010. Due to the weakness of Sterling, the thresholds for the UK have risen! These are:
• Works: £3,927,260
• Services: £156,442
• Supplies: £156,442
For Part B services, which are not subject to the EU procurement rules in full, the thresholds apply only to decide whether the contract award notice has to be completed when the contract has been awarded.
The new figures for “small lots” are:
• Works: £810,580
• Supplies: £64,846
• Services: £64,846
These changes were announced by the Office for Government Commerce (Information Note 13/09 1 December 2009). Although the new thresholds have not been formally brought into effect, the European Commission has indicated that the new figures will not change.
For advice on whether your contracts need to be tendered under the EU procurement rules please contact Osman Hamir either by email or by telephone on 0121 212 7474.