When is the contract signed and in what period?

The signing of the contract in a public tender ... Go, that is the moment of truth, right? After all paperwork, competition and stress, it's like getting to the goal in a bureaucratic marathon. But well, when the hell is signed that happy contract? Well, it depends. There is no magical formula because each country and each tender can build their own show, but almost always happens when they already announced who won and finished discussing any detail.

First, you get the news: Congratulations, you are the chosen one. And there, the public administration (or whoever organizes the circus) sends you the notice and calls you to sign the contract. That role is what really puts you to play: it tells you what you have to do, how much they will pay you and how long they expect you to end. No surprises later, at least in theory.

Now, beware of the deadlines. It is not like you want and the next day you are already signing and celebrating. There are rules, and sometimes you have to wait. For example, in Spain, with Law 9/2017, they cannot make you sign before 15 days since they warn you. So yes, you have to put together patience and not lose your head telling the days.

And, please, don't be those who relax too much after winning. Because if you sleep and do not sign time, you can lose everything. Yes, that ugly. Therefore, if you do not understand the deadlines or have doubts, you better call a lawyer or someone who knows the subject. It is not the time to improvise.

Ah, and don't emotions thinking that signing the contract is the end. Neither joke. That's when true work begins. Once you sign, it's time to meet: deliver products, services, what you have promised. So you better be ready to start as soon as they give you green light.

In summary: First they notify you, then signatures (when it plays, according to the law and the case), and then to work. Be attentive to the deadlines, do not make up and have everything ready to start. Because winning is fine, but complying is what really counts.