Restricted procedure
Article 11
1. The ECB may apply the restricted procedure if: (a) the ECB's requirements can be defined in such detail that tenders can be compared against each other and the contract can be awarded without negotiations with the tenderers; and (b) it is necessary to restrict the number of tenders for administrative reasons or because of the nature of the procurement. 2. On publication of a contract notice, interested suppliers may apply for participation in the restricted procedure. They shall submit their application within the time limit specified in the contract notice and provide the documentation requested by the ECB. 3. The ECB shall verify the eligibility of candidates and evaluate the applications against the selection criteria set out in the contract notice. The ECB shall invite at least five eligible candidates that satisfy the selection criteria to submit a tender, provided that a sufficient number of candidates meeting the selection criteria are available. The invitation to tender shall be sent in writing and simultaneously to all candidates invited to submit a tender. 4. The candidates invited shall submit their tender within the time limit set by the ECB and include all documentation requested by the ECB. 5. The ECB shall award the contract to the tenderer whose tender best meets the award criteria set out in the contract notice or invitation to tender.