Doing Business With Us

Frequently Asked Questions

What locations are served by the Corporate Procurement Group?

The Corporate Procurement Group manages the Tendering and Procurement Process for Dublin, Shannon and Cork Airports.

What are the current thresholds that apply to contracts awarded in compliance with the Utilities Directive?

Currently the thresholds are:

  • supplies/services: €412,000
  • works: €5,150,000

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What is the difference between a PIN and a Call for Competition?

A PIN or Periodic Indicative Notice is a notice published in the European Journal to advertise a possible upcoming opportunity. It does not mean that the Dublin Airport Authority will be definitely going to tender unless specifically stated.  A Call for Competition is a notice published in the European Journal, which advertises the intention of the Dublin Airport Authority to issue tender documentation in respect of a specified requirement. Expressions of interest are called for and certain minimum information is requested which it is mandatory to return by the specified date.

Do you publish Award Notices?

Yes we do. They are published in the Official Journal of the European Communities (OJEU)

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Do I need to supply a Tax Clearance Certificate in order to do business with Dublin Airport Authority?

In the case of all contracts of a value of €6,350 or more (inclusive of VAT) within a one-year trading period, the Contractor must possess a valid Tax Clearance Certificate or Statement of Suitability. Evidence of insurances as demanded by the specification will also be required prior to Contract Award for Landside and/or Airside Activities. It is not necessary for a Resident Contractor to obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate if he/she can present a current C2 Certificate.  A C2 Certificate is a certificate of authorisation issued by the Irish Revenue Commissioners qualifying on tax grounds a Contractor to carry out construction type activities. Failure to produce a C2 Certificate for construction type contracts will result in tax at 35% being deducted from relevant payments made by Dublin Airport Authority to the Contractor.

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What are your standard payment terms?

Our standard payment terms are in line with the Prompt Payment Act, 1997 or per mutually agreed terms and conditions

How can I find out if my product or service meets with Dublin Airport Authority's specification?

Please contact one of our Commodity Managers (see Contact Us) to discuss the matter initially. Assuming we have a need for the product or service he/she may suggest that you meet with our users who will explain our specification in more detail.

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Do you always award contracts to the lowest priced bidder?

No. Our award criteria vary depending on the type of contract to be awarded but in general the most economically advantageous tender is accepted. In addition to price, the following is a sample list of possible award criteria that might be applied (for each tender the specific criteria will be identified in our tender documents [Invitation To Tender or Request for Proposal]):

  • Compliance with specification
  • Lead times
  • Packaging and transport costs
  • Overall cost of ownership
  • Guarantees and warranties
  • Acceptance of the Dublin Airport Authority's Terms and Conditions of Contract
  • Clearance of financial checks and tax clearance requirements
  • Compliance with health and safety laws
  • Track record and satisfactory reference lists
  • Aesthetic Aspects
  • Final Cost to the Authority.

NB This is not an exhaustive list of Award Criteria.

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What term of contract do you normally award?

The Dublin Airport Authority's policy is to award contracts for periods typically ranging from one to five years. However, as contracts come up for renewal the issue is examined in the light of business requirements and market conditions and a shorter-term or longer-term contract may be awarded.

How does a new supplier who has no track record with the Dublin Airport Authority become a preferred supplier?

Dublin Airport Authority seeks new suppliers who are innovative, customer focused and cost competitive. Where a new supplier has offered a compliant, competitive bid, the Dublin Airport Authority may offer the supplier the business or a proportion of the business initially. Subject to satisfactory factory visits/appraisals and audits and acceptable performance, this proportion may be increased over the remaining term of the contract at the Dublin Airport Authority's discretion.

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