What are the different types of EPO competitive procedure?

A competitive procedure is a procurement exercise involving more than one bidder or tenderer, as a result of either publication or advertisement (open procedure) or a direct invitation from the EPO (competitive direct placement). The EPO then evaluates the resulting offers and makes a selection based on price or a combination of price and other factors.

The preferred procedure is an open tender. Progressively restrictive procedures such as restricted tenders with or without publication, competitive direct placements and direct placements require well-founded, documented reasons and must fulfil strict conditions. The competitive procedure with negotiation allows negotiation with bidders in certain complex procedures.