What distinguishes a competitive dialogue procedure from other tendering procedures?

The competitive dialogue procedure is unique because it incorporates a phase where meetings for discussions take place between the buyer and bidders. This interactive element allows for clarification, negotiation, and the refinement of proposals before the submission of final bids. This feature is significant as it enables the procurement process to be more flexible and tailored to the buyer's needs, permitting bidders to develop their solutions in real time based on feedback and dialogue.

This distinguishes it from other tendering procedures that may rely on strictly written proposals without the opportunity for direct engagement. For example, in traditional sealed bidding processes, suppliers submit fixed bids without any interaction with the buyer, whereas competitive dialogue is intended for complex projects where additional information and insights can lead to improved outcomes. This collaborative approach fosters innovation and a better understanding of the requirements on both sides.