(1)  A council may invite tenders for a contract for the supply of goods or services using a multiple-stage tender process.

(2)  A multiple-stage tender process is a process by which suppliers are evaluated through stages against criteria determined by the council.

(3)  At the first stage of a multiple-stage tender process, the general manager is to invite expressions of interest from prospective tenderers by causing to be published at least once in a daily newspaper circulating in the municipal area a notice specifying –

(a) the nature of the goods or services the council requires; and

(b) any identification details allocated to the contract; and

(c) where the expression of interest is to be lodged; and

(d) the person from whom more detailed information may be obtained; and

(e) the period within which the expression of interest is to be lodged.

(4)  The general manager is to ensure that prospective tenderers are provided with the following in order to lodge an expression of interest:

(a) details of the goods or services required;

(b) the criteria for evaluating expressions of interest;

(c) the method of evaluating expressions of interest against the criteria;

(d) details of any further stages in the tender process;

(e) a reference to the council's code for tenders and contracts.

(5)  At the final stage of a multiple-stage tender process, the general manager is to invite all suppliers who have met the criteria determined by the council to tender for the supply of goods or services.

(6)  If only one supplier meets the criteria determined by the council at the first stage as specified in subregulation (3) , the council may contract with that supplier after –

(a) a tender by that supplier; or

(b) a decision by absolute majority of the council to do so.

(7)  The general manager is to ensure the consistency of the criteria used at each stage of a multiple-stage tender process.