Negotiated Procedure
As Gaeilge: Nós Imeachta Idirbheartaithe
Also known as: Negotiated Procedure with Prior Publication, Competitive Procedure with Negotiation
Last reviewed April 2026
A flexible EU procedure where the authority negotiates terms with shortlisted bidders — only allowed in defined circumstances.
Two variants exist. (1) Competitive procedure with negotiation (Regulation 29, S.I. 284/2016) — used for complex requirements where solutions are not readily available, design or innovation is needed, or specifications cannot be drafted with sufficient precision. Open advertisement, then negotiation with shortlisted bidders. (2) Negotiated procedure without prior publication (Regulation 32) — used only in exceptional circumstances such as extreme urgency caused by unforeseeable events, no suitable tenders received in a prior open competition, or where only one supplier can deliver (technical reasons, exclusive rights). The without-publication route is heavily scrutinised and a frequent subject of audit findings.
Recent tenders mentioning Negotiated Procedure
Single-Party Framework for the provision of Digital Transformation Services under the Competitive Procedure with Negotiation
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI - the Pharmacy Regulator) · >5M
Single Party Framework Agreement for the Provision of Cloud-Based Cost Rental Assessment System under the Competitive Procedure with Negotiation
Tuath Housing Association Ltd · 500k-1M
ATU Multi Party Framework Agreement for Medical Device Prototyping Services
Atlantic Technological University · 1M-5M
Negotiated Procedure without Prior Publication
Clúid Housing Association · Not disclosed
Supply, installation, configuration, support of critical Station End Equipment for approximately 218 fire stations across Ireland. The scope includes, Supply of replacement SEE hardware components, Integration with existing mobilisation systems, Commissioning, configuration and acceptance testing, Preventive and reactive maintenance, Provision of spares, technical support, and software updates.
Limerick City and County Council · Not disclosed
Related terms
Open Procedure
The simplest EU procedure — any supplier can submit a tender, with no shortlisting stage.
Restricted Procedure
A two-stage EU procedure — pre-qualification followed by invitation to shortlisted candidates.
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.
Competitive Procedure with Negotiation
An EU procedure where the buyer invites tenders, then negotiates with shortlisted bidders before final offers, used for complex or design-led contracts.
Utilities Directive
The separate EU procurement regime for utilities sectors (water, energy, transport, postal), with higher thresholds and more flexible procedures.