Expression of interest (EOI)

A short first-stage response where suppliers say they want to bid and show they qualify. The buyer then invites a shortlist to submit full proposals.

Also called: EOI

Related terms

Pre-qualification

Getting checked and approved before contracts are offered. Firms that pre-qualify join a list, panel or framework and are then invited to compete for the work that comes later.

Two-stage tender

Any tender run in two rounds: first qualification or a short proposal, then full bids from a shortlist. It saves small firms from writing full bids they cannot win.