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.

Related terms

Open procedure

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

Selection questionnaire (SQ)

The UK’s standard form for checking whether a supplier is eligible and capable before its bid is scored. It covers exclusion grounds, finances, insurance and past experience.

Two-stage tender

Any tender run in two rounds: first qualification or a short proposal, then full bids from a shortlist. It saves small firms from writing full bids they cannot win.