# Procurement below the threshold

- URL: https://procurelex.mt/en/faq/below-the-threshold
- Updated 2026-11-10
- Draft – awaiting legal review
- Legal basis: regulation 100(1), regulation 100(2), regulation 101, regulation 102(1), regulation 102(2), regulation 103, regulation 106, regulation 108

Quotations, direct contracts and departmental calls for tenders: what Part III of the Regulations allows by estimated value.

Part III of the Regulations sets the rules applicable to departmental tenders. The method follows the estimated value ([regulation 100](https://procurelex.mt/en/ppr/100), [regulation 101](https://procurelex.mt/en/ppr/101)).

## How may a contract of up to €5,000 be procured?

Departmentally: after obtaining a minimum of three quotations, after publication on the government’s e-procurement platform, or through a direct contract at the discretion of the Head of the Contracting Authority ([regulation 100(1)](https://procurelex.mt/en/ppr/100#p1)).
## And between €5,000 and €10,000?

Departmentally, either after obtaining quotations through the government’s e-procurement platform or through a direct contract at the discretion of the Head of the Contracting Authority or of a person delegated by him in writing ([regulation 100(2)](https://procurelex.mt/en/ppr/100#p2)).
## What applies above €10,000?

Where the estimated value exceeds €10,000 but does not exceed the threshold of regulation 9(1)(a), the supplies, works or services may be procured after a departmental call for tenders ([regulation 101](https://procurelex.mt/en/ppr/101)).
## Where are quotations and departmental tenders published?

Calls for quotations exceeding €5,000 and departmental calls for tenders must be published through the government’s e-procurement platform, unless the Director authorises otherwise in writing ([regulation 102(1)](https://procurelex.mt/en/ppr/102#p1)). Where the platform is not used, their publication is advertised in the Gazette ([regulation 102(2)](https://procurelex.mt/en/ppr/102#p2)).
## Can a contract above €10,000 be awarded directly?

Only in exceptional cases, and with the prior written approval of the Minister, who may delegate that authority in writing to the Permanent Secretary or another senior official of the Ministry ([regulation 103](https://procurelex.mt/en/ppr/103)).
## Which procedures may a departmental call use?

A call for tenders is carried out through an open procedure, unless otherwise approved in terms of the Regulations ([regulation 106](https://procurelex.mt/en/ppr/106)). Competitive dialogue, the competitive procedure with negotiation, dynamic purchasing systems, electronic auctions and the negotiated procedure without public notice are not permitted ([regulation 108](https://procurelex.mt/en/ppr/108)).