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.

Related terms

Expression of interest (EOI)

A short first-stage response where suppliers say they want to bid and show they qualify. The buyer then invites a shortlist to submit full proposals.

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.