ESPD Response

The ESPD Response is the supplier's side of the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) exchange. After the contracting authority issues an ESPD Request setting out its requirements, the supplier completes and submits the ESPD Response as a formal self-declaration. Article 59 of Directive 2014/24/EU establishes the ESPD Response as sufficient preliminary evidence that a supplier meets the stated criteria, subject to later verification through means of proof from the winning tenderer.

What is an ESPD Response?

The ESPD Response is a structured document, typically in ESPD XML Format, that mirrors the questions raised in the ESPD Request. For each criterion the contracting authority has activated, the supplier answers "yes," "no," or provides a descriptive answer with supporting context.

Exclusion grounds. The supplier confirms whether any of the mandatory or discretionary exclusion grounds listed in Article 57 of Directive 2014/24/EU apply to it or to its directors. Where an exclusion ground technically applies but the supplier has taken remediation steps ("self-cleaning" under Article 57(6)), the response includes a description of those steps.

Selection criteria. The supplier confirms it meets each threshold in the ESPD Request: minimum turnover figures, the existence of professional registrations, the availability of the required equipment or staff, and any quality or environmental certification requirements. References to specific certificates and attestations are noted for later submission.

Lots and consortia. If bidding in a consortium or relying on a subcontractor's capacity under Article 63 of Directive 2014/24/EU, each entity involved typically submits a separate ESPD Response. The lead entity's response identifies all participating entities.

The European Commission provides a free online tool for generating ESPD Responses from an imported ESPD Request XML file. Most national e-procurement platforms also generate and accept ESPD Responses natively.

Why the ESPD Response matters for bidders

The ESPD Response is your legal declaration of eligibility. Accuracy is critical: false statements constitute grounds for exclusion under Article 57(4)(h) of Directive 2014/24/EU and may trigger national criminal fraud provisions. At the same time, a well-completed response that anticipates the contracting authority's verification questions reduces the risk of post-award delays.

For cross-border bids in particular, the ESPD Response removes the need to gather certified translations of national certificates from multiple jurisdictions at bid stage. The eCertis system helps both parties identify the equivalent national documents that will be requested later.

Example

A Romanian construction company responds to a French motorway maintenance framework. It imports the French authority's ESPD Request XML into the European Commission's ESPD service, answers each exclusion ground (confirming no applicable grounds), declares that it meets the EUR 10 million minimum turnover threshold, and notes its ISO 9001 certification. It exports the completed ESPD XML and uploads it to the French e-procurement portal alongside its technical offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every member of a consortium need to submit an ESPD Response?

Yes. Under Article 59(1) of Directive 2014/24/EU, each member of a group of economic operators and each subcontractor relied upon for capacity under Article 63 must submit a separate ESPD Response covering at minimum the exclusion grounds. Selection criteria responses may be consolidated at consortium level depending on national practice and the contracting authority's instructions.

Can I reuse an ESPD Response from a previous tender?

Yes, provided the information is still accurate and up to date. The contracting authority may ask you to confirm currency of the information. If your financial figures or certificates have changed, you must update the response accordingly.

What happens after the ESPD Response is submitted?

The contracting authority uses the responses to assess eligibility at the shortlisting or evaluation stage. Only the winning or shortlisted tenderers are typically asked to submit the actual means of proof, such as tax clearance certificates and criminal record extracts, before contract award.