![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg display="block" id="2531834213" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 36 36" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M 8.667 0 L 8.667 26 M 17.333 0 L 17.333 26 M 2.889 0 L 23.111 0 C 24.707 0 26 1.293 26 2.889 L 26 23.111 C 26 24.707 24.707 26 23.111 26 L 2.889 26 C 1.293 26 0 24.707 0 23.111 L 0 2.889 C 0 1.293 1.293 0 2.889 0 Z" fill="transparent" height="26px" id="lW5iyUDYU" stroke-dasharray="" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="rgb(0, 0, 0)" transform="translate(5 5)" width="26px"/></svg>)
What Is a Competitive Tendering Procedure?
The umbrella term for the two ways a buyer can competitively award a contract: the open procedure or the competitive flexible procedure.
What are the two procedures?
The open procedure, a single-stage competition open to all, and the competitive flexible procedure, which the buyer designs itself and can include shortlisting, negotiation or several rounds.
How does a buyer choose between them?
The open procedure suits clear, well-defined requirements. The competitive flexible procedure suits complex or innovative requirements where dialogue or negotiation adds value.
Is direct award a competitive tendering procedure?
No. Direct award is an exception, allowed only where a specific justification applies, and it requires a transparency notice.
