UK Procurement Glossary
Restricted Procedure
A two-stage UK public sector procurement: suppliers first pass a Selection Questionnaire, then shortlisted bidders are invited to submit a full tender.
Definition
Restricted procedure splits procurement into two stages. In stage 1 (selection), suppliers complete a Selection Questionnaire covering eligibility, financial standing, technical capability and past performance. The buyer shortlists the top-scoring suppliers (typically 3-8) to proceed to stage 2 (award), where shortlisted bidders submit a full technical and commercial response.
Because only shortlisted bidders see the full ITT, restricted procedure manages buyer workload and gives bidders better odds at the award stage. It is the standard procedure for complex or high-value UK public sector procurements.
How this affects your bid
Pass the SQ first — there's no second chance. SQ scoring is often pass/fail on key criteria, so a single weak answer can disqualify you. Treat the SQ as a separate substantive bid, not a tick-box exercise.
Common questions about restricted procedure
How many bidders are typically shortlisted?
UK public sector buyers usually shortlist 3-8 suppliers from the SQ stage, depending on the contract complexity and the buyer's evaluation capacity.
How long does restricted procedure take?
Typically 8-14 weeks end-to-end: 4-6 weeks for SQ, 6-8 weeks for ITT, plus standstill period before award.
Related terms
Open Procedure
A single-stage UK public sector procurement procedure where any interested supplier can…
Selection Questionnaire (SQ)
A standardised UK public sector questionnaire used to assess supplier eligibility, fina…
Invitation to Tender (ITT)
The formal document a UK public sector buyer issues inviting suppliers to submit a tend…
Award Criteria
The published criteria a UK public sector buyer uses to evaluate and score bid response…
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