The restricted tender, with an example
The restricted tender is a formalised two-stage procedure. First, any firm can apply (application stage); the buyer then selects a limited number of firms it invites to bid. Only the shortlisted candidates submit a full bid. The framework is set by article R2124-2 of the Public Procurement Code.
Restricted vs open: the difference
In the open tender, everyone submits a full bid directly. In the restricted tender, applications are filtered first, then firms are invited. The buyer chooses the restricted route when it wants to limit the number of bids to review while keeping competition.
A concrete worked example
| Stage | What you do |
|---|---|
| 1. Contract notice | The buyer publishes the notice (restricted procedure) |
| 2. Application | You submit application forms, references, capacities |
| 3. Selection | The buyer shortlists the candidates allowed to bid |
| 4. Invitation + bid | You submit the technical memo and the price |
| 5. Award | Ranking on the criteria, then award notice |
To prepare stage 4 well, see our example of a tender response.
Frequently asked questions
Can you bid without being invited in a restricted procedure?
No. Only the candidates shortlisted after the application stage are invited to submit a bid.
Related guides
Source : BOAMP/DILA · Licence Ouverte 2.0 · as of 25/06/2026