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What Is an Unlawful Direct Award?
A direct award made by a contracting authority without advertising, despite there being no lawful basis for doing so.
What makes a direct award unlawful?
Awarding a contract without the required publication, where no exception in the rules applies. The most common cause is underestimating the contract value or splitting a procurement.
What are the consequences?
The contract can be declared ineffective, the buyer can be fined, and suppliers that lost the chance to compete can claim damages.
How can a supplier challenge one?
By complaining to the national review body or the courts within the time limit, which is usually counted from publication of an award notice or, if none, from the signing of the contract.
