What are mandatory and discretionary exclusion grounds?

2 min read · Prepared by TenderChecker

Short answer

Exclusion grounds are reasons a buyer must or may reject a supplier, regardless of how good the bid is. Mandatory grounds cover serious matters such as certain criminal offences. Discretionary grounds cover issues such as poor past performance or insolvency, where the buyer can decide.

Key points

✓Exclusion can remove your bid before quality is scored
✓Mandatory grounds must lead to exclusion if they apply and are not remedied
✓Evidence of corrective action ('self-cleaning') can matter

Why answer carefully

These are usually declarations, not scored answers, but a wrong or careless declaration can be serious. Check the exact wording and who in your organisation, and connected to it, the questions cover.

If something applies

Be honest and explain what has been done to put it right and prevent it happening again. Take legal advice where the matter is significant.

Common mistakes that lose marks

Answering for the company only when connected persons are also covered
Hiding an issue rather than explaining remediation
Ticking boxes without reading the definitions

Quick self-check before you submit

☐ Every exclusion question read in full
☐ Connected persons considered
☐ Any remediation evidence prepared
☐ Declarations signed by an authorised person

Key terms on this page

Exclusion grounds: Reasons a buyer must or may reject a supplier, such as certain offences, insolvency or poor past performance, regardless of bid quality.

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