Section 19: Restricted bidding

19. Restricted bidding (1) Restricted bidding may be used— (a) where a public body has reason to believe that the goods, other services or works are only available from a limited number of bidders; (b) where the time and cost of considering a large number of bids is disproportionate to the value of the procurement, having regard to such thresholds as may be prescribed; or (c) by limiting the participation in a particular procurement to those suppliers included on pre-approved supplier eligibility lists drawn up and maintained by the public body, in such manner as may be prescribed, so as to ensure that suppliers of specialised goods and services have and maintain the necessary technical and financial capability to provide them. (2) (a) Where restricted bidding is used on the ground referred to in subsection (1) (a), all known suppliers capable of supplying the goods, other services or works shall be directly solicited. (b) Where restricted bidding is used on the ground referred to in subsection (1) (b), the public body shall, as far as reasonably possible, directly solicit bids from a minimum of 5 bidders.