Reserved Contract
As Gaeilge: Conradh Curtha In Áirithe
Also known as: Reserved Procurement, Reserved Lot
Last reviewed April 2026
A contract or lot reserved for sheltered workshops, social enterprises or supported-employment providers under Regulation 20.
Regulation 20 of S.I. 284/2016 allows a contracting authority to reserve the right to participate in a procurement to sheltered workshops and economic operators whose main aim is the social and professional integration of disabled or disadvantaged people. At least 30% of the workforce must be drawn from this group. A separate provision at Regulation 77 allows reservation of certain health, social and cultural services to mutual or employee-owned organisations. Used sparingly in Ireland, mostly by local authorities and the HSE.
Related terms
Lot
A subdivision of a contract that can be tendered for separately — used to open contracts up to SMEs.
Selection Criteria
Minimum requirements a supplier must meet to be considered — financial standing, technical capability, tax clearance.
Green Public Procurement (GPP)
A policy requiring public bodies to include environmental criteria in contracts — mandatory over €50k in Ireland from 2025.