Procurement evaluation & award · Core
Reverse auction
Also called: e-reverse auction
ELI5
An auction in which suppliers compete by lowering price or improving terms.
Used in conversation
“Document the approval for reverse auction before the award is announced.”
Pitch context
You will see “Reverse auction” in operating plans, procurement packs, supplier reviews and supply-chain reports when the discussion reaches procurement evaluation & award.
Why it matters: In procurement evaluation & award, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Acquisition.gov — Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15 — Contracting by NegotiationDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- UK Government — Groceries Supply Code of PracticeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Productivity programmeSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16