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What Is the Participation Stage?
The optional first stage of a competitive flexible procedure, where the buyer shortlists suppliers against the conditions of participation.
What happens in the participation stage?
Suppliers submit a request to participate, the buyer checks exclusion grounds and conditions of participation, and only shortlisted suppliers are invited to tender.
How are suppliers shortlisted?
Against the conditions of participation and any additional selection criteria set out in advance, such as the quality of relevant experience.
Is the participation stage always used?
No. It is optional within the competitive flexible procedure and does not exist in the open procedure.
