What distinguishes a competitive dialogue procedure from other tendering procedures?

The competitive dialogue procedure is characterized by the inclusion of interactive discussions between buyers and bidders. This process allows for a collaborative dialogue where prospective suppliers can engage in detailed conversations with the contracting authority. This interaction aims to clarify the requirements and explore innovative solutions before final bids are submitted. It provides a platform for bidders to ask questions, propose alternative solutions, and refine their offers based on feedback received during the discussions, making it distinct from other tendering approaches that may not allow such engagement.

In contrast, the other options misrepresent the nature of the competitive dialogue. Anonymous bidding does not align with the open discussion focus, as it would inhibit meaningful interaction. Requiring no specification details would undermine the purpose of the dialogue, as clarity and specification details are essential for effective communication and proposal development. Fixed pricing from the start contradicts the essence of a competitive dialogue, which thrives on flexibility and evolving proposals rather than locking bidders into predetermined prices.