Competitive Procedure with Negotiation
As Gaeilge: Nós Imeachta Iomaíoch le hIdirbheartaíocht
Also known as: CPN, Negotiated Procedure with Prior Publication
Last reviewed April 2026
An EU procedure where the buyer invites tenders, then negotiates with shortlisted bidders before final offers, used for complex or design-led contracts.
Set out in Regulation 29 of S.I. 284/2016, this is the formal name for the negotiated procedure with prior publication. Permitted only where the requirement involves design or innovative solutions, where specifications cannot be drafted with sufficient precision, or where the contract cannot be awarded without prior negotiation. The authority publishes a contract notice, shortlists bidders against selection criteria, then runs one or more negotiation rounds before calling for final tenders. Used in Ireland for complex IT, R&D and works contracts where an open or restricted procedure would not suit.
In the Tenderwatch data
- Appears in 4 notices captured in the last 12 months on Tenderwatch (as at August 2026).
Sources and legal basis
Primary legislation and official guidance. Always confirm the current text on the source before relying on it.
Related terms
Negotiated Procedure
A flexible EU procedure where the authority negotiates terms with shortlisted bidders: only allowed in defined circumstances.
Competitive Dialogue
A flexible EU procedure for complex contracts where the authority develops the solution with shortlisted candidates.
Innovation Partnership
An EU procedure where the buyer co-develops a new product or service with one or more suppliers and can buy the result without re-tendering.
Restricted Procedure
A two-stage EU procedure: pre-qualification followed by invitation to shortlisted candidates.
Selection Criteria
Minimum requirements a supplier must meet to be considered: financial standing, technical capability, tax clearance.
Contract Notice
The formal advertisement of a procurement opportunity: above-threshold notices go to eTenders and TED.