Public Procurement in Switzerland: SIMAP, WTO GPA, and How to Win Swiss Government Contracts

Yet Switzerland occupies a unique position in the European procurement landscape. It is not a member of the European Union. It is not in the European Economic Area. It operates its own procurement law, its own portal, and its own thresholds. At the same time, it has bilateral agreements with the EU and is a signatory to the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), which means its procurement is not entirely separate from the European system.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Swiss public procurement, from the legal framework and key portals to practical advice on winning contracts.

Switzerland's Place in the European Procurement Landscape

Not EU, Not EEA, But Not Isolated

Switzerland's relationship with the EU is governed by a series of bilateral agreements rather than membership of any overarching structure. For procurement, the key agreements are:

• The WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA): Switzerland is an independent signatory to the GPA, which guarantees reciprocal market access for suppliers from other GPA member countries, including all 27 EU member states. This means that European suppliers can bid on Swiss federal procurement above GPA thresholds, and Swiss suppliers can bid on EU procurement.
• The bilateral agreement on public procurement with the EU: This extends certain procurement obligations beyond the GPA baseline, covering additional entities (such as districts, municipalities, and some utilities).
• Publication on TED: Swiss federal procurement above WTO thresholds is also published on TED (Tenders Electronic Daily), the EU's central procurement portal. This gives European suppliers direct visibility of Swiss opportunities through the system they already know.

Key Differences from EU Procurement

While Swiss procurement shares many principles with the EU framework, there are important differences:

The Legal Framework: BoeB/LMP and the 2021 Reform

The Federal Act on Public Procurement (BoeB/LMP)

Swiss federal procurement is governed by the Bundesgesetz uber das offentliche Beschaffungswesen (BoeB), known as the Loi federale sur les marches publics (LMP) in French. The current version entered into force on 1 January 2021, replacing the previous law from 1994.

The 2021 revision was the most significant overhaul of Swiss procurement law in over 25 years. Key changes include:

• Sustainability as a core principle: The revised law explicitly requires contracting authorities to consider environmental and social criteria, not just price. This represents a shift from "most economically advantageous tender" to a broader concept of quality that includes lifecycle costs and sustainability impacts.
• Innovation-friendly provisions: The law now explicitly supports innovation procurement, allowing authorities to engage with suppliers earlier and consider novel solutions.
• Strengthened transparency requirements: More detailed publication obligations and clearer rules on the disclosure of evaluation criteria and weightings.
• Streamlined remedies: Improved legal remedies for suppliers who believe procurement rules have been violated.

Cantonal Procurement: The InterCantonal Agreement (IVoeB)

Switzerland comprises 26 cantons, each of which has its own procurement rules. To harmonise cantonal procurement and ensure a level playing field across the country, the cantons adopted the InterCantonal Agreement on Public Procurement (IVoeB/AIMP).

The revised IVoeB (2019/2021) aligns cantonal procurement rules more closely with the federal BoeB, creating greater consistency. However, differences remain, particularly in thresholds, procedural details, and which entities are covered. Suppliers bidding at the cantonal level need to familiarise themselves with the specific rules of the canton in question.

This structure is somewhat analogous to the United States, where federal procurement rules differ from state-level rules. For European suppliers accustomed to EU directives that apply uniformly across member states, Switzerland's cantonal system can feel fragmented.

SIMAP: Switzerland's Central Procurement Portal

What Is SIMAP?

SIMAP (simap.ch) is Switzerland's central electronic procurement portal. The name stands for Systeme d'information sur les marches publics (Information System on Public Procurement). It serves as the mandatory publication platform for public procurement notices at the federal level and is used by most cantons as well.

Key Facts About SIMAP

How to Use SIMAP

1. Visit simap.ch and select your preferred language (German, French, or Italian, there is no English interface, though some individual notices may include English content).
2. Search for tenders using keywords, CPV codes, contracting authority names, or canton/region filters.
3. Register to access full tender documents, receive email alerts, and submit bids electronically.
4. Download documents: tender documentation is typically available for free download after registration.
5. Submit bids: electronic submission is increasingly common, though some procurements still require physical document submission.

Language Considerations

Switzerland has three official languages relevant to procurement: German, French, and Italian (Romansh, the fourth national language, is rarely used in procurement). Tenders are published in the official language of the contracting authority's region:

• German-speaking cantons (Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucerne, and others): tenders in German
• French-speaking cantons (Geneva, Vaud, Neuchatel, and others): tenders in French
• Italian-speaking canton (Ticino): tenders in Italian
• Bilingual cantons (Bern, Fribourg, Valais): tenders may appear in either or both languages

For foreign suppliers, this multilingual environment can be challenging. Unlike the EU, where TED provides at least summary translations, SIMAP publishes notices only in the original language. Suppliers targeting the Swiss market should have language capability in at least German and French to cover the majority of opportunities.

Federal Procurement Thresholds

Swiss federal procurement thresholds are aligned with the WTO GPA and are denominated in Swiss francs. The current thresholds are:

These thresholds determine whether a procurement is subject to the full BoeB procedures and international publication (including on TED). Below these thresholds, simplified procedures may apply, and publication may be limited to SIMAP or cantonal portals.

Cantonal thresholds vary. Some cantons set lower thresholds for full competitive procedures, while others align with the federal levels. Checking the specific thresholds for each canton is essential when bidding at the sub-national level.

Key Procurement Procedures

Swiss procurement law provides for several procedure types:

Open Procedure

All interested suppliers may submit a tender. This is the default procedure for above-threshold procurement and provides the widest competition. The contracting authority publishes a notice on SIMAP, makes tender documents available, and evaluates all compliant tenders received.

Selective Procedure

A two-stage process. In the first stage, suppliers submit a request to participate. The contracting authority shortlists candidates based on qualification criteria. In the second stage, shortlisted suppliers submit full tenders. This procedure is used for complex procurements where pre-qualification is necessary.

Invitation Procedure

The contracting authority invites a limited number of suppliers (typically at least three) to submit tenders without prior publication. This procedure is available only below certain thresholds and in specific circumstances.

Direct Award

A contract is awarded directly to a single supplier without competition. This is permitted only in narrowly defined circumstances, such as genuine technical exclusivity, extreme urgency, or very low contract values.

Key Swiss Procurement Principles

The revised BoeB establishes several core principles that shape every procurement:

Non-discrimination: Swiss procurement is open to suppliers from all WTO GPA signatory countries. Foreign suppliers cannot be treated less favourably than domestic suppliers for above-threshold procurement.

Transparency: All above-threshold procurement must be published on SIMAP. Award decisions must be communicated to all bidders with reasons, and unsuccessful bidders have the right to a debriefing.

Economy: Contracts must be awarded to the most advantageous tender, considering not just price but quality, sustainability, lifecycle costs, and innovation.

Sustainability: The 2021 law introduced mandatory consideration of environmental and social criteria. Contracting authorities must assess tenders against sustainability objectives, and suppliers can be asked to demonstrate their environmental and social performance.

Competition: Procedures must be designed to maximise participation and avoid artificial restrictions on competition.

Major Buyers in the Swiss Public Sector

Understanding who buys what is essential for targeting your efforts. Key Swiss public sector buyers include:

• SBB/CFF (Swiss Federal Railways): One of the largest single buyers, procuring rolling stock, infrastructure, IT, and services
• Swiss Post: Logistics, IT, facilities management, and postal services
• RUAG: Defence, space, and security technology
• Swisscom: Telecommunications infrastructure and IT (partially state-owned)
• Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS): Defence equipment, services, and infrastructure
• Federal Roads Office (FEDRO): Road construction and maintenance
• Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics (BBL): Federal government property, facilities management, and central purchasing
• University hospitals and cantonal hospitals: Medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, IT, and construction
• Cantonal and municipal authorities: Education, transport, social services, and infrastructure

Sectors with the Strongest Opportunities

Switzerland's economy has particular strengths that translate into procurement demand:

Pharmaceuticals and medtech: Basel is home to Novartis and Roche. The healthcare sector drives significant procurement in medical devices, laboratory equipment, and clinical services.

IT and digital services: Swiss public bodies are investing heavily in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and data management. Federal IT procurement is substantial and growing.

Infrastructure and construction: Major rail, road, and tunnel projects (Switzerland is famous for its infrastructure) generate large works contracts.

Financial services and consulting: Federal and cantonal bodies procure advisory, audit, and consulting services extensively.

Defence: RUAG and DDPS procure equipment, vehicles, ammunition, and services, often through specialised procedures.

Energy and environment: Switzerland's energy transition and environmental commitments drive procurement in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and environmental consulting.

Practical Tips for Winning Swiss Government Contracts

Register on SIMAP. This is the essential first step. Registration is free and gives you access to full tender documents and email alerts.

Check cantonal portals. While SIMAP covers much of cantonal procurement, some cantons maintain their own portals with additional below-threshold opportunities. Check the portal for each canton where you want to operate.

Invest in language capability. German covers the majority of Swiss procurement, followed by French. If you cannot read tender documents in these languages, you will struggle to compete effectively. Professional translation of your bid documents is a worthwhile investment.

Understand sustainability criteria. The 2021 law makes sustainability a core evaluation criterion. Prepare to demonstrate your environmental and social credentials in every bid. Lifecycle cost analysis, carbon footprint data, and social responsibility policies are increasingly expected.

Research the market thoroughly. Use SIMAP's historical data to research previous awards, typical contract values, and competitors. Understanding who has won before, and at what price, is essential competitive intelligence.

Consider partnering with a local firm. For complex tenders or sectors where local knowledge is critical, a joint bid with a Swiss partner can strengthen your offer significantly. Swiss contracting authorities value reliability and local presence.

Mind the cultural differences. Swiss procurement culture values precision, punctuality, and thoroughness. Submissions must be complete, accurate, and delivered on time. Late or incomplete bids are routinely rejected without further consideration.

Accessing Swiss Procurement Through Bidovate

Bidovate covers SIMAP alongside TED and national European portals, giving suppliers complete European procurement coverage from a single platform. This is particularly valuable for firms that bid across multiple European markets and want to include Switzerland in their opportunity pipeline without monitoring yet another portal separately.

Book a Demo to see how Bidovate brings together procurement from Switzerland, the EU, and the UK in one dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Switzerland part of the EU procurement system?

No. Switzerland is not a member of the EU or the EEA. However, it is a signatory to the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) and has bilateral agreements with the EU on procurement. This means that European suppliers have access to Swiss federal procurement above GPA thresholds, and Swiss federal above-threshold notices are also published on TED. Swiss procurement is governed by its own law (BoeB/LMP), not by EU directives.

What is SIMAP and how do I use it?

SIMAP (simap.ch) is Switzerland's central procurement portal. It publishes tender notices, award notices, and other procurement information for federal, cantonal, and municipal procurements. Registration is free and is required to download tender documents and submit bids. The portal is available in German, French, and Italian.

What are the procurement thresholds in Switzerland?

Federal thresholds, aligned with the WTO GPA, are CHF 230,000 for supplies and services and CHF 8,700,000 for works. Cantonal thresholds vary by canton. Above these thresholds, full competitive procedures are mandatory and notices must be published on SIMAP (and on TED for federal procurement).

Do I need to speak German or French to bid on Swiss tenders?

In practice, yes. Tenders are published in the official language of the contracting authority's region, German, French, or Italian. There is no English interface on SIMAP, and tender documents are rarely available in English. German covers the largest share of Swiss procurement, followed by French. Professional language capability in at least one of these languages is essential.

Can a company from the EU bid on Swiss government contracts?

Yes. Under the WTO GPA and bilateral agreements, suppliers from EU member states have access to Swiss federal procurement above GPA thresholds on the same terms as Swiss suppliers. Below these thresholds or for cantonal procurement not covered by international agreements, access may be more restricted. Registration on SIMAP is required to submit bids.