Open procedure

A tender anyone may bid on, with no shortlist stage. Every compliant bid is evaluated.

Also called: Open tender, Open competition

Related terms

Restricted procedure

A two-stage tender where suppliers first prove they qualify, then only a shortlist is invited to bid. Used for larger or complex contracts.

Competitive flexible procedure

A UK procedure under the Procurement Act 2023 that lets buyers design their own stages, including negotiation and demonstrations. It replaced several older EU-based procedures.