Expression of Interest (EOI)
An initial indication of interest in a procurement, often submitted in response to a Prior Information Notice or contract notice.
Definition
An Expression of Interest, usually abbreviated to EOI, is an initial indication of interest in a procurement opportunity. EOIs are typically submitted in response to a Prior Information Notice (PIN), a market engagement event, or as the first step of a two-stage procurement before tender documents are issued. The EOI is not a bid: it does not commit the supplier to bidding and the buyer does not score the EOI to decide who gets the contract. It registers presence and triggers the supplier being added to the tender distribution list.
How it works in practice
EOIs serve two complementary purposes. For the buyer, an EOI count tells them how much market interest the opportunity is attracting and whether the procurement design is likely to attract competitive bids. For the supplier, an EOI is the entry ticket: many tender portals only release the full tender pack to suppliers who have expressed interest, and clarification questions and updates flow only to that list. EOIs are typically short: a registration form, a brief paragraph stating interest, and confirmation of basic eligibility (regulated activity, geographic coverage, capacity). Some PINs ask for a one-page capability summary as part of the EOI. EOIs are different from the Selection Questionnaire stage: the SQ is a substantive evaluation of eligibility, the EOI is just a notification. Failing to submit an EOI when one is required is a hard exclusion: even if you are a strong fit, the buyer will not send you the tender pack. Treat EOIs as low-effort, high-leverage: it is rare for an EOI to cost more than an hour of effort and the payoff is full visibility of the opportunity.
Common questions
Does submitting an EOI commit me to bid?
No. An EOI is non-binding: you can withdraw or simply not submit a tender once you have seen the full pack. Some authorities ask EOI respondents to confirm their intention to bid by a specific date; failing to confirm can result in being dropped from the distribution list but carries no other penalty.
What goes in an EOI?
Typically a registration form on the portal plus a short paragraph stating interest. Some PINs ask for a one-page capability summary or confirmation of basic eligibility (regulated activity, geographic coverage, capacity to deliver). Treat it as low-effort: the EOI is the entry ticket, not the substantive bid.
How does an EOI fit into the wider procurement?
An EOI is the earliest stage. It is typically followed by issue of tender documents (for Open procedure) or a Selection Questionnaire (for Restricted, Competitive Dialogue, and Competitive Procedure with Negotiation). The EOI puts you on the distribution list; the SQ or ITT is where you compete.