France consolidated 40+ separate rules into one Code de la Commande Publique (CCP) in 2019. Result: less bureaucracy, clearer rules. Non-EU firms have no special barrier — WTO GPA + EU agreements give equal-treatment access.
Where notices are published
- BOAMP.fr — central national bulletin
- TED — €215K+ services, €5.5M+ works
- PLACE — state electronic bidding platform
- AWS-Achat, Marchés Sécurisés — municipal/hospital platforms
DC forms
France requires DC1 (candidate declaration) + DC2 (financial capacity) + DC4 (subcontractor notice) on top of ESPD. DC1/DC2 are French-only — send without translation and you get filtered out. Sworn translator in Paris is the safe route.
Five practical tips
- SIRET number — not required to enter but required before signing. Non-FR firms get SIRET via a French branch or TVA registration.
- Attestation fiscale et sociale — tax + social security no-arrears proof.
- Consortium (groupement momentané d'entreprises) — teaming with a French firm is the pragmatic entry. Solidaire vs conjoint form chosen upfront.
- Prix ferme vs prix révisable — for 12+ month projects revisable prices use INSEE indices. Formula defined in the bid.
- Retenue de garantie — 5% + 5% guarantees. TR bank + French correspondent works.
Large French buyers
- SNCF Réseau — rail infra (~€6B/yr)
- ADP — Paris airports
- RATP — Paris transit
- Suez, Veolia — water & waste (utility)