66.—(1) This regulation applies to restricted procedures, competitive procedures with negotiation, competitive dialogue procedures and innovation partnerships.
(2) In the context of the same procedure, the contracting authority must not include economic operators that did not request to participate, or candidates that do not have the required capabilities.
(3) A contracting authority must indicate, in the contract notice or in the invitation to confirm interest, the objective and non-discriminatory criteria or rules that the authority intends to apply, the minimum number of candidates the authority intends to invite and, where applicable the maximum number.
(4) The minimum number of candidates that may be indicated by a contracting authority is—
(a)in the restricted procedure, 5;
(b)in the competitive procedure with negotiation, the competitive dialogue procedure and in the innovation partnership procedure, 3.
(5) In any event the number of candidates invited must be sufficient to ensure genuine competition.
(6) Subject to paragraph (7), a contracting authority must invite a number of candidates at least equal to the minimum number indicated in accordance with paragraph (3).
(7) Where the number of candidates meeting the selection criteria and the minimum levels of ability as referred to in regulation 59(20) (selection criteria) is below the minimum number, the contracting authority may continue the procedure by inviting the candidates with the required capabilities.
(8) In the context of the same procedure, the contracting authority must not include economic operators that did not request to participate, or candidates that do not have the required capabilities.