On 'Tender Properties' page, under the 'Procedure type' tab, you can choose between a locked restricted, a locked open and a private (non-locked) procedure.
Locked procedures
If you choose for either one of the two locked procedures, the software will automatically show the locked phases that you can add to your Tender apart from the 'Offer phase'. Choosing these locked phases, the software will automatically add 'start' and 'end' dates per phase to the Schedule of your Tender (you can amend these dates under the 'Schedule' page of the Tender). The automatic populated dates can be recognized by their bold formatting. These dates are added so that the system will automatically shift one phase to another (open or close the digital vault) at the pre-set date and time.
Among other things, it provides for a locked 'Offer phase' and the use of the automated 'Digital Vault'. The system will start the 'Offer phase' according to your schedule, allowing vendors to start populating and submitting their offers. In addition, the system will also close the 'Offer phase' at the indicated date and time, meaning that vendors are no longer allowed to populate their answers or submit their offers. As a result all vendors get exactly the same amount of time to populate and submit theirs offers without the necessity for you as a buyer to undertake any action.
The above also applies to the 'Selection phase' when you select the locked selection and quotation phase.
Private (Non-Locked)
If you choose for a Private (non-locked) procedure, you will actively have to switch between your Tender phases yourself and create your own schedule. You can switch between phases on the 'Tender Properties' page, under the 'Procedure-Type' tab, by selecting the desired phase.
You always start your Tender in preparation.
Switch to the Publication phase when you want to Publish your tender on TED, TenderNed and/or Negometrix itself.
You proceed to the Offer phase whenever you want to allow vendors to start populating and submitting their offers.
You also have to close the Tender yourself by switching to the Evaluation phase (and later naturally follows Awarding). Switching to the Evaluation phase allows you to start evaluating offers submitted by vendors.
In the Awarding fase you are enabled to communicate the outcome of the Tender with the vendors.