Frequently asked questions
Public procurement: mastering the threshold concept

Is it legal to split purchases?

The principle laid down in article R. 2121-4 of Code de la commande publique is that "the purchaser may not evade the application" of its advertising and competitive bidding rules "by splitting up its purchases". Artificially splitting work or services is therefore illegal.

Nevertheless, purchases that correspond to materially distinct operations can be split.

Should lots be added together to assess the value of a contract?

Yes, if the operation comprises several lots, they must all be added together, and it is the total amount that serves as the reference for determining whether or...