The procurement unit can rely on market mapping before the actual bidding process.
Before starting the actual procurement procedure, the procurement unit can, if it wishes, carry out a market survey for the preparation of the procurement and provide information to industry operators about its plans and requirements for the future procurement.
The purpose of the market survey is usually to increase the purchasing unit's market knowledge, to map the different options available on the market and to get a more accurate understanding of how the procurement object should be defined in the request for tender. Market mapping is part of procurement planning. Market mapping is not exhaustively defined in the Procurement Act. Therefore, the procurement unit can use different methods and forms in market mapping.
Market mapping can be carried out, for example, as a market dialogue, so that the procurement unit organizes a joint meeting of potential providers in the field. This is the case, for example, when you want to discuss the implementation of the acquisition at a general level and the so-called regarding procurement from major lines. In this case, the procurement unit usually announces the goals of the meeting in advance and prepares a program and an introduction to the occasion.
In order to ensure equal treatment of bidders, it is recommended to report the market survey with a Hilma notification. In terms of market mapping, it is essential that although the procurement unit can use advice from external parties to help plan and implement the procurement procedure, the use of advice must not lead to a distortion of competition or a procedure contrary to the principles of non-discrimination and transparency as defined in the Procurement Act.