S.L. 601.12 Art. 36Preliminarymarket consultations.

(1) Before publishing a procurement procedure, contracting authorities may conduct market consultations with a view to preparing the procurement and informing bidders of their procurement plans and requirements.

(2) Contracting authorities may, for instance, seek or accept advice from independent experts or authorities or from market participants. That advice may be used in the planning and conduct of the procurement procedure, provided that such advice does not have the effect of distorting competition and does not result in a violation of the principle of transparency and equal treatment.