Competitive Flexible Procedure (CFP)
Quick answer
The Competitive Flexible Procedure (CFP) is one of two competitive procedures under the Procurement Act 2023 (Section 20). Buyers publish a procedure description with custom stages, shortlisting, and negotiation rules, replacing the old restricted, dialogue, CPN, and innovation partnership procedures.
Last updated: 18 May 2026
What is the Competitive Flexible Procedure?
The CFP is the flexible workhorse procedure for complex procurements: large IT programmes, professional services panels, construction with early contractor involvement, and any competition where a single-stage Open Procedure is impractical.
Unlike PCR 2015, there is no separate statutory template for "competitive dialogue" or "restricted". The buyer must describe the process in the Tender Notice and procedure documents so suppliers know the stages, deadlines, and what can change between rounds.
How does the CFP work under the Procurement Act 2023?
Typical patterns (buyer-defined):
- Conditions of participation assessed against published criteria.
- Shortlist to a manageable number of bidders (if stated).
- Dialogue or negotiation rounds on technical or commercial solutions (if stated).
- Final tender with evaluation against award criteria to identify the Most Advantageous Tender.
Suppliers must read the procedure description as carefully as the specification. Missing a stage gate (e.g. PSQ deadline) ends the bid.
CFP vs legacy procedures — what changed?
| Legacy (PCR 2015) | Under the Act |
|---|---|
| Restricted procedure | CFP with shortlist + final tenders |
| Competitive dialogue | CFP with dialogue stages |
| CPN | CFP with negotiation |
| Innovation partnership | CFP structured for development phases |
The label on the notice is "Competitive Flexible Procedure", not the old names. Search and train your team on CFP, not "restricted".
What does this mean for suppliers?
- Bid/no-bid early: Multi-stage processes consume senior time. Use capture plans tied to Planned Procurement Notices.
- Stage-gate resourcing: Assign a bid manager to track clarifications, dialogue sessions, and version control.
- PSQ discipline: PSQ responses must be consistent with later ITT submissions.
- Pricing strategy: Understand whether prices are fixed at final tender or refined during negotiation.
Common questions about the CFP
Is the CFP the same as competitive dialogue?
No. Competitive dialogue was a PCR 2015 procedure. Dialogue may still happen, but only within a published CFP design.
Can a buyer run an open procedure instead?
Yes, when a single-stage process is suitable (Section 19). Buyers choose CFP when they need flexibility.
What documents define the stages?
The tender notice, procedure description, and invitation documents. Treat them as binding on the buyer and on you.