How Public Tenders Work in Lebanon Legal Framework, Rules and Real-World Process

Lebanon’s public procurement landscape sits at the intersection of legal reform, economic recovery, and international cooperation. While the system has historically faced challenges related to transparency and administrative capacity, recent reforms and donor-driven projects have strengthened the rules around competitive bidding, contract awards, and compliance.

For international companies and local suppliers alike, understanding how public procurement works in Lebanon is essential to navigate opportunities in construction, infrastructure, energy, health, IT, and professional services.

This guide breaks down Lebanon’s public procurement laws, tender procedures, bid submission rules, evaluation criteria, and common pitfalls — all in practical language with up-to-date insights.

Legal Framework for Public Procurement in Lebanon

Lebanon’s public procurement system is shaped by a mix of national legislation and international standards. The key pillars include:

• Public Procurement Law No. 244/2021

• Regulations and bylaws issued by the Central Tender Board (CTB)

• Sector-specific rules for utilities and state-owned enterprises

• Donor/International Financial Institution (IFI) safeguards (e.g., World Bank, EU, UN)

Law 244/2021 represents a major modernization of Lebanon’s procurement regime, introducing clear procedures for competitive bidding, publication requirements, supplier eligibility, and transparency obligations.

The Central Tender Board (CTB) is the main authority tasked with oversight, approval of high-value contracts, and ensuring that procurement processes comply with legal standards.

Key principles include:

• Transparency and open competition

• Equal treatment of bidders

• Accountability and auditability

• Value for money

Because the Lebanese context includes scheduled reforms and involvement of IFIs on major projects, compliance with both domestic and international standards is often required.

Who Publishes Public Tenders in Lebanon

Unlike many EU countries with fully integrated digital portals, Lebanon’s public tenders are published through a combination of channels:

• Official government gazettes and websites

• Ministry and agency bulletins

• Central Tender Board (CTB) publications

• International donor platforms (for IFI-funded projects)

There is ongoing work to centralize procurement notices, but as of 2025 many notices still require proactive monitoring across multiple sources.

Procurement Procedures Used in Lebanon

Public procurement in Lebanon typically falls into the following procedures:

Open Competitive Bidding

The default method for most contracts above defined thresholds. Any eligible supplier may participate.

Limited or Restricted Bidding

Used when specific qualification criteria must be applied to limit the bidder pool.

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Common for complex services, consultancy, and technical assignments.

Request for Quotations (RFQ)

For low-value contracts, goods, and simple service purchases.

Direct Negotiations/Single Source

Only permitted in narrowly defined cases (e.g., emergencies, proprietary technology)

Each procedure has its own documentation, qualification, and publication requirements defined under Law 244/2021 and CTB regulations.

Thresholds and Donor Rules

Lebanon’s legal thresholds determine when competitive procurement rules apply. Projects funded by international donors (World Bank, EU, UN agencies) often follow donor procurement rules alongside Lebanese law.

For example:

• World Bank–funded tenders follow World Bank Procurement Regulations

• EU or UN projects follow their respective procurement frameworks

Understanding which rule set applies is critical because documentation standards, evaluation criteria, and dispute mechanisms differ.

Bid Submission and Documentation

Lebanon’s procurement process places heavy emphasis on completeness and formal compliance.

Typical required documents include:

• Administrative forms and declarations

• Legal entity registration and tax compliance

• Financial capability statements

• Technical proposals and workplans

• Past performance and references

• Financial offer or pricing schedule

• Bid security (when required)

Many public tenders in Lebanon still accept physical submissions alongside electronic filings, though trending reforms promote e-submission where available.

Language requirements vary by issuer but Arabic and English are both commonly accepted; official translations may be necessary.

Evaluation Criteria and Award Decisions

Once bids are submitted, evaluation is conducted according to criteria published in the tender documents.

Common evaluation factors include:

• Lowest price (for goods and simple services)

• Best value / technical quality (for complex services and works)

• Compliance with specifications

• Work plan and delivery timeline

• Sustainability and environmental considerations (in donor-funded tenders)

Technical and financial evaluations are often conducted by a committee designated by the contracting entity or the CTB.

After evaluation, provisional award notices are posted and unsuccessful bidders are informed.

Protests, Appeals, and Remedies

Public procurement challenges in Lebanon are managed through administrative procedures, typically under the authority of the Central Tender Board or relevant ministries. Formal protest mechanisms must be initiated within defined deadlines and follow legal requirements.

For donor-funded projects, additional appeals or dispute resolution mechanisms under donor rules may apply.

Timeliness and procedural precision are critical: late or improperly filed protests are dismissed.

Contract Award and Execution

Once a contract is awarded:

• A formal contract is signed between the authority and the winning bidder

• Performance guarantees or bonds may be required

• Mobilization and performance schedules are defined

• Compliance monitoring begins

Contract modifications are closely regulated; significant changes often trigger re-tendering or approval from higher authorities or financiers.

Common Mistakes by Foreign and Local Bidders

Foreign firms and local suppliers alike often struggle with:

• Misunderstanding applicable procurement rules (national vs donor)

• Failing to provide certified translations

• Missing submission deadlines or incomplete documentation

• Assuming e-submission is universally available

• Ignoring local formalities and legal declarations

Careful review of tender conditions and early engagement with legal or procurement advisors is highly recommended.

Sector Opportunities in Lebanon

Despite economic challenges, key sectors with active public procurement include:

• Infrastructure and transport

• Renewable energy and utilities

• Healthcare and medical supply

• ICT and digital transformation

• Construction and public works

• Consulting, engineering, and project management

Donor-supported programs also open niche opportunities in development, governance, and social sectors.

How to Increase Your Success Rate

To succeed in Lebanon’s public procurement market:

1. Monitor official and donor platforms regularly

2. Clarify language and translation requirements early

3. Align documents with both national and donor rules where applicable

4. Use structured bid templates and checklists

5. Track amendments and clarifications closely

6. Get experience or advice on local legal expectations

In emerging markets like Lebanon, preparation and procedural accuracy matter more than price alone.

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Lebanon’s public procurement environment is evolving, offering significant opportunities for prepared and compliant bidders. Understanding applicable laws, procedural rules, documentation standards, and multi-framework requirements (national + donor) is essential for success.

Procurement here is not simple. But with the right approach and tools, it can be incredibly rewarding.