The restricted procedure divides participation into two stages. First anyone who wishes submits a request to participate with the selection documents. The buyer checks the candidates and invites only those approved to submit bids.
When it applies
The buyer chooses it freely, on a par with the open procedure. It suits cases where many candidates are expected and the buyer wants to evaluate bids only from companies of proven ability.
How it runs
- Notice and documents in CAIS EOP (and in the Official Journal of the EU above the thresholds).
- Candidates submit requests to participate with an ESPD.
- Pre-selection: the buyer decides which candidates meet the requirements. It may limit their number by criteria announced in advance.
- The invited candidates submit bids.
- Evaluation, ranking, decision on the contractor, contract.
Deadlines
| Stage | Minimum deadline |
|---|---|
| Requests to participate | 30 days (15 in urgency) |
| Bids | 25 days (10 with a prior information notice or urgency) |
Some sector buyers may agree the bidding deadline with the candidates; without an agreement it is at least 10 days. In defence and security the bidding deadline is 35 days (40 if the documents are not freely available in CAIS EOP).
Who can take part
At the first stage – anyone. At the second – only the candidates invited after selection (Art. 18(2) of the Public Procurement Act).
> Tip: The request is your “ticket”. Describe your experience and resources fully and accurately, because this is the stage that decides whether you will see the bidding documents at all.
Updated on 3 Oct 2026. General information, not legal advice. The Public Procurement Act, its implementing regulation and the tender documents prevail.
