ISO 10845-1:2020

Overview

ISO 10845-1:2020 - Construction procurement: Part 1: Processes, methods and procedures - defines a generic, best-practice procurement framework for goods, services, construction works and disposals. The standard helps organizations establish a procurement system that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost‑effective. It applies to both public and private sector employers and can be implemented throughout the supply chain. This second edition (2020) revises and aligns definitions and expands guidance on procurement policy and framework agreements.

Key topics and requirements

ISO 10845-1:2020 covers the full procurement lifecycle and foundational controls, including:

• Establishing a procurement system
  • Developing and documenting processes, policies and records
  • Conduct, ethics and a code of conduct for employees, agents and office-bearers
• Procurement policy
  • Requirements for primary and secondary procurement policy development
  • Rules on awarding evaluation points and preferential treatments
• Electronic systems and databases
  • Rotating electronic databases, operating principles and software requirements
  • Electronic receipt of submissions and auction procedures
• Preparation and solicitation
  • Readiness checks, documentation and minimum content for advertisements and expressions of interest
  • Eligibility and evaluation criteria, tender data and scope of work
• Selection and award procedures
  • Competitive selection, negotiated procedures, competitive negotiation and disposal processes
  • Framework agreements, design competitions and electronic auctions
• Tender handling and contract administration
  • Receipt, opening, evaluation, recordkeeping, notification of unsuccessful tenderers and contract management
• Dispute resolution and departures
  • Procedures for resolving contract disputes and controlled variations from standard methods
• Informative annexes
  • Guidance on sustainable procurement, category differences, generic processes, auctions and practical implementation

Practical applications and users

ISO 10845-1 is practical for organizations that procure construction-related goods and services, including:

• Employers and owner organizations developing procurement systems and policies
• Procurement managers and contract administrators in public and private sectors
• Bid evaluators, legal and compliance teams enforcing ethics and transparency
• IT teams implementing electronic procurement databases and e‑submission tools
• Contractors and suppliers seeking clarity on solicitation, evaluation and award procedures
• Standardization bodies and auditors aligning local procurement rules with international best practice

Related standards and guidance

• Part of the ISO 10845 series (see ISO website for the complete list)
• Aligns with ISO/IEC Directives and international procurement transparency principles

For implementation, consult the full ISO 10845-1:2020 text on the ISO website and consider mapping its processes to internal procurement policies, tender templates, and electronic procurement platforms.