![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg display="block" id="2531834213" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 36 36" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M 8.667 0 L 8.667 26 M 17.333 0 L 17.333 26 M 2.889 0 L 23.111 0 C 24.707 0 26 1.293 26 2.889 L 26 23.111 C 26 24.707 24.707 26 23.111 26 L 2.889 26 C 1.293 26 0 24.707 0 23.111 L 0 2.889 C 0 1.293 1.293 0 2.889 0 Z" fill="transparent" height="26px" id="lW5iyUDYU" stroke-dasharray="" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="rgb(0, 0, 0)" transform="translate(5 5)" width="26px"/></svg>)
What Is a Reference in Tenders (Referenssi, Finland)?
This is a Finnish procurement term. A previous, comparable delivery or project by which a supplier demonstrates its experience and suitability.
What makes a reference acceptable?
It must match what the tender request asks for: comparable in scope, value and subject matter, delivered within the stated period, and backed by a contact who can confirm it.
Can you use a group company's or subcontractor's references?
Yes, if you rely on that entity's capacity formally and can show it will actually be available for the contract, usually through a commitment from that entity.
What is the most common mistake with references?
Submitting work that is impressive but does not meet the stated criteria — wrong period, wrong scale or wrong field. References are checked against the criteria, not judged on general merit.
