What decides whether a foreign firm can bid?
The UNCITRAL Model Law is a useful baseline, though it binds no one by itself. Article 8 lets suppliers take part whatever their nationality, unless national law allows a limit. The buyer must state any limit when it first invites suppliers.
Four things decide whether you may bid. Check them in this order.
- 1The notice. It may be open to international bidders, or limited to national firms.
- 2The funder. Bank-funded tenders follow that bank's eligibility rules.
- 3National law. It can set limits, partner rules and licences.
- 4Trade agreements. The WTO Government Procurement Agreement opens covered tenders among its parties, above set values. Its 22 parties cover 49 WTO members.