Most Economical Tender in Procurement Law 2026

Most economical tender: Synonym for the most economically advantageous tender – the principle of the best price-performance ratio in procurement law.

Definition: In procurement law, the most economical tender refers to the offer that, taking into account all pre-defined award criteria, achieves the best overall result of price, quality and other relevant factors.

Last updated: January 2026 · Legal status: Art. 67 Directive 2014/24/EU; § 127 GWB; § 91 BVergG 2018

What is the most economical tender?

"Most economical tender" is often used in procurement practice as a synonym for the "most economically advantageous tender" (MEAT). Both terms describe the same concept: the award is made not solely on the basis of the lowest price, but on the basis of an overall assessment that also includes qualitative aspects in addition to the price.

The term "most economical tender" emphasises the economic rationality of procurement: public funds should be deployed in such a way that the greatest possible benefit for the general public is achieved. This includes not only the purchase price but also operating costs, quality, reliability and sustainability.

Relationship to the principle of economic efficiency

The most economical tender is an expression of the budgetary-law principle of economic efficiency and frugality. Public contracting authorities are obliged by budgetary law to handle public funds economically and frugally. In procurement law, this obligation is given concrete form in the requirement to award the contract to the most economical tender.

Distinction from the cheapest offer

The most economical tender is not necessarily identical with the cheapest offer. An offer with a higher price can be more economical if it stands out through better quality, longer life, lower follow-on costs or higher reliability. The assessment is made on the basis of the award criteria pre-defined and weighted by the contracting authority.

Practical application

In practice, the most economical tender is determined through bid evaluation. Contracting authorities specify in the procurement documents which criteria (e.g. price 40 %, technical quality 30 %, delivery time 20 %, customer service 10 %) are to be evaluated and with what weighting. The offer with the highest total score is the most economical.

Related terms

FAQ

What is the difference between "most economical tender" and "most economically advantageous tender"? In procurement-law usage, both terms are substantively synonymous. "Most economically advantageous tender" is the terminology used in the EU procurement directives and in the GWB; "most economical tender" is a colloquial short form.

Must the contracting authority always accept the most economical tender? Yes, provided it meets all formal and substantive requirements of the call for tenders. An award to a worse offer without objective justification would be unlawful under procurement law.

Last updated: January 2026 All information without guarantee. For legally binding advice, please contact a law firm specialising in procurement law.