Standstill period

A pause between telling bidders who won and signing the contract, so losing bidders can challenge the decision. It is typically 8 to 10 days in the UK and EU.

Also called: Alcatel period, Mandatory standstill

Related terms

Debrief

Feedback a buyer gives a bidder after the award on how its bid scored and why. Asking for a debrief after every loss is the fastest way to improve.

Bid protest

A formal challenge to how a tender was run or awarded. In Canada federal complaints go to the Canadian International Trade Tribunal; in the US to the agency, the GAO or the Court of Federal Claims.