The figures show that the threshold lies mainly before the bid, not after it.
Of Dutch companies with staff, about 2.4% bid at least once in five years on an open tender via TenderNed (our own division of CBS figures for 2017 to 2021). Those who do take part win regularly: 68% of contracts go to SMEs, and when both SMEs and large companies bid, SMEs win in 47% of cases and large companies in 34% (TenderNed, December 2023).About 2.4% of Dutch companies with staff bid at least once in five years via TenderNed (our calculation, CBS figures, 2017–2021). Participants win regularly: 68% of contracts go to SMEs (TenderNed, 2023).
What forms the threshold, according to PIANOo: high requirements, contracts that are too large, the chosen procedure and the cost of preparing a bid; SMEs also have fewer people for time-consuming procedures. According to SEOR, MKB-Nederland points to the focus on lowest price and to requirements outside the substance of the contract, such as social return. Meanwhile the average number of bids per open tender is falling, from 4.2 in 2017 to 3.4 in the first half of 2024.The threshold according to PIANOo: high requirements, oversized contracts, the procedure and the cost of a bid. Meanwhile the average number of bids per open tender fell from 4.2 in 2017 to 3.4 in the first half of 2024.
What we do about it: we first show what is out there and who wins it, without you having to decide anything. Then you build a profile at your own pace, so we can say more sharply where you do and do not fit. Only when a tender looks right do we discuss how you could take part: on your own, or with a party you pick yourself from the overview we publish openly.We first show what is out there and who wins it. Then you build a profile at your own pace. Only when a tender looks right do we discuss how you could take part.
What we do not say: that a company "never takes part". TenderNed publishes awards, not bidders. A page therefore states exactly what we know: whether a company appears as a winner in the awards of the past twelve months, and nothing more.
Sources: CBS (2024), TenderNed (December 2023 and September 2024), PIANOo (SME-friendly procurement explained), SEOR (November 2024). Checked on 15-09-2026.