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What Are Clarification Talks (Aufklärungsverhandlungen, Germany)?
This is a German procurement term. Discussions between the contracting authority and a bidder to clarify the content of a bid, permitted only within narrow limits.
What can be discussed in Aufklärungsverhandlungen?
Only the content of the bid as submitted: unclear points, the calculation behind an unusually low price, or the bidder's suitability. The bid itself cannot be changed.
What is prohibited?
Negotiating price or terms. Any change to the bid during clarification is a breach of the ban on negotiation and can lead to exclusion of both the bid and the award.
Must the buyer document them?
Yes. The subject and outcome of clarification talks must be recorded in the procurement file.
