# Invitation to tender

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> Unlike a direct award, where a client engages a service provider without competitive process, an invitation to tender requires structured market consultation: the client publishes its transport or logistics requirements, and multiple providers submit independent bids.

Unlike a direct award, where a client engages a service provider without competitive process, an invitation to tender requires structured market consultation: the client publishes its transport or logistics requirements, and multiple providers submit independent bids. Tenders may be open—any qualified carrier or freight forwarder may participate—or restricted, with invitations issued to a pre-selected shortlist only. In the EU, public contracting authorities are legally required to tender contracts exceeding certain thresholds under procurement law; private shippers use the process voluntarily to benchmark market rates and maintain a defensible audit trail for supplier selection. Evaluation criteria typically cover price, transit time, service reliability, quality certifications, and sustainability credentials. An invitation to tender differs from a Request for Quotation (RFQ), which is less formalised and generally focused on price comparison alone.

**Source:** [https://www.bvl.de/wissen/glossar/ausschreibung](https://www.bvl.de/wissen/glossar/ausschreibung)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Invitation to tender |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 129 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://www.bvl.de/wissen/glossar/ausschreibung |

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