Poland Government Tenders Explained Rules, Evaluation and Contract Awards

Poland has one of the largest and most active public procurement markets in Central and Eastern Europe. Infrastructure, transport, energy, healthcare, ICT, and public services generate thousands of tenders every year, many of them supported by EU funds.

At the same time, Poland’s procurement system is formal, rules-driven, and unforgiving when it comes to documentation errors. If you understand the system, it works. If you improvise, it quietly disqualifies you and moves on.

This guide explains how public procurement works in Poland, covering the legal framework, tender procedures, bid submission rules, evaluation, and common mistakes suppliers should avoid.

Legal Framework for Public Procurement in Poland

Public procurement in Poland is governed by the Public Procurement Law (Prawo zamówień publicznych – PZP), which entered into force in its modernized form in 2021 and continues to apply in 2025.

As an EU Member State, Poland fully implements EU procurement directives. The law applies to:

• Central government authorities

• Regional and local governments

• Public institutions and agencies

• Utilities and state-owned companies

Core principles are clear and strictly applied:

• Transparency

• Equal treatment and non-discrimination

• Fair competition

• Proportionality

• Efficient use of public funds

These principles are not theoretical. They directly affect how tenders are written, evaluated, and challenged.

Where Public Tenders Are Published

Polish public tenders are published primarily explain:

• On the national e-procurement platforms used by contracting authorities

• In TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) for contracts above EU thresholds

Most procedures are conducted electronically, including access to documents, clarifications, and bid submission.

Types of Procurement Procedures in Poland

Contracting authorities may use several procedures depending on contract value and complexity.

Open ProcedureThe most common method. Any interested supplier may submit a bid.

Restricted ProcedureUsed when a pre-qualification phase is required before inviting bids.

Negotiated ProcedureApplied in specific cases, such as complex or innovative procurements.

Competitive DialogueUsed for large, complex projects where technical solutions must be discussed with bidders.

Below-Threshold ProceduresSimplified rules apply, but transparency and competition are still required.

The chosen procedure defines everything. Authorities cannot change the rules halfway through.

Bid Submission Process

Poland operates a largely electronic procurement environment.

Key points suppliers must respect:

• Bids are submitted electronically via designated platforms

• Deadlines are strict and system-enforced

• Required forms and declarations must be completed exactly as specified

• Late or incomplete bids are automatically rejected

There is no “we’ll clarify later.” Compliance happens before submission or not at all.

Language and Documentation Requirements

Most tenders require submissions in Polish. Some international or EU-funded tenders accept English, but this must be explicitly stated.

Typical bid documentation includes:

• Administrative declarations (often ESPD-based)

• Proof of legal, financial, and technical capacity

• Technical proposal and methodology

• Financial offer and pricing tables

• References and experience

• Bid security or guarantees when required

Foreign documents may require certified translations. Missing or informal translations are a common reason for rejection.

Evaluation and Award Criteria

Evaluation criteria are defined in advance and published in the tender documents.

Common criteria include:

• Price

• Technical quality

• Methodology

• Delivery timeline

• Sustainability or innovation elements

Awards are often based on the best price-quality ratio, not just the lowest price.

After evaluation, award decisions are published and bidders are informed. A standstill period applies before contract signing.

Appeals and Remedies

Poland has a structured review system. Unsuccessful bidders may:

• Request explanations

• File appeals with the National Appeals Chamber

Deadlines are short and formal requirements are strict. Appeals must be precise and well-grounded.

Common Mistakes Suppliers Make in Poland

• Submitting incomplete administrative documents

• Ignoring clarifications or amendments

• Assuming flexibility in deadlines

• Using non-certified translations

• Treating formal requirements as optional

In Poland, precision beats creativity.

Key Opportunity Sectors

Public procurement in Poland is particularly active in:

• Infrastructure and transport

• Energy and renewables

• Healthcare and medical equipment

• ICT and digital government

• Construction and public works

• Consulting and professional services

EU-funded projects increase both opportunity size and compliance requirements.

How TendersGo Helps You Find Polish Public Tenders

Tracking Polish tenders manually across multiple platforms and languages is time-consuming and risky.

TendersGo aggregates public tenders and contract opportunities from Poland and over 220

countries into a single platform. With TendersGo, you can:

• Search Polish tenders in English

• Filter by sector, country, and keywords

• Receive smart email alerts

• Analyze awarded contracts and competitors

TendersGo is the world’s largest tender and contract search engine, and you can try it free with a 1-month unlimited trial.

Poland offers a large, stable, and well-funded public procurement market. But it rewards preparation, compliance, and discipline.

If your documents are clean and your process is tight, the system works.If not, it doesn’t argue. It just disqualifies you.

That’s not harsh. That’s predictable.