Restricted Procedure EU Tenders
In a restricted procedure, any economic operator may request to participate, but only those pre-selected by the contracting authority are invited to submit tenders. Used where technical complexity warrants pre-qualification.
Lithuania – Laboratory services – Laboratorijų (subrangovų) paslaugų pirkimas (101-129 kateg.)
Norway – Protective and safety clothing – Invitation to pre-qualification: Procurement of Aircrew Survival Vest (ASV) and Aircrew Plate Carrier (APC)
Frequently Asked Questions — Restricted Procedure
What is a restricted procedure in EU procurement?
A restricted procedure is a two-stage EU procurement method where contracting authorities first invite expressions of interest, then select a limited number of pre-qualified candidates to submit full tenders. It is used when a pre-qualification stage is warranted.
When is the restricted procedure used?
The restricted procedure is used for technically complex contracts where pre-qualification helps identify suitable suppliers, or when receiving and evaluating many full tenders would be disproportionately burdensome for the contracting authority.
How many suppliers are invited in a restricted procedure?
EU rules require a minimum of 5 candidates to be invited to submit tenders in a restricted procedure, provided enough qualified candidates exist. There is no strict maximum, but contracting authorities typically invite 5–20 candidates.
How long does a restricted procedure take?
The minimum time limit for expressions of interest is 30 days from publication. The minimum time to submit tenders after invitation is 30 days. Total duration typically ranges from 4–8 months including evaluation.
Can any company apply to a restricted procedure?
Yes — any economic operator may request to participate in a restricted procedure. However, only pre-selected candidates meeting the qualification criteria are invited to submit full tenders. Selection criteria must be objective and proportionate.
What is the ESPD and is it required for restricted procedures?
Yes. The ESPD (European Single Procurement Document) is a self-declaration form required at the expression of interest stage in restricted procedures. It covers exclusion grounds and selection criteria, streamlining the pre-qualification stage.