54.—(1) A contracting authority must offer on the internet unrestricted and full direct access free of charge to the procurement documents from the date of publication of a notice in accordance with regulation 52 ([F1publication on the UK e-notification service]) or the date on which an invitation to confirm interest was sent.
(2) The text of the notice or the invitation to confirm interest must specify the internet address at which the procurement documents are accessible.
(3) Where unrestricted and full direct access free of charge by electronic means to certain procurement documents cannot be offered for one of the reasons set out in regulation 23(3) (rules applicable to communication), a contracting authority may indicate in the notice or the invitation to confirm interest that the procurement documents concerned will be transmitted by means other than electronic means in accordance with the periods mentioned in paragraphs (6) and (7).
(4) Where unrestricted and full direct access free of charge by electronic means to certain procurement documents cannot be offered because a contracting authority intends to apply regulation 22(3) (confidentiality), the authority must indicate in the notice or the invitation to confirm interest which measures, aimed at protecting the confidential nature of the information, the authority requires and how access can be obtained to the documents concerned.
(5) Where paragraph (3) or (4) applies, the time limit for the submission of tenders must be extended by 5 days, except in a case of duly substantiated urgency referred to in regulation 28(5) (open procedure), regulation 29(11) (restricted procedure), or regulation 30(11) (competitive procedure with negotiation).
(6) Provided that it has been requested in good time, a contracting authority must, not later than 6 days before the time limit fixed for the receipt of tenders, supply to all tenderers taking part in the procurement procedure additional information relating to the specifications and any supporting documents.
(7) In the case of an accelerated procedure, the period mentioned in paragraph (6) shall be not later than 4 days before the time limit fixed for the receipt of tenders.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in reg. 54(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Public Procurement etc. (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.S.I. 2020/468), regs. 1(2), 4(37) (with sch. paras. 1-5)