Multi-round negotiation is a sourcing process in which suppliers submit or revise offers across more than one controlled round. Each round should have clear eligibility, instructions, timing, confidentiality, comparison rules, and decision governance. The method can clarify value and trade-offs, but it should not be used to create unfair disclosure, indefinite bidding, or undocumented changes in criteria.
In plain English
It gives qualified suppliers controlled opportunities to improve or clarify their offers over several rounds.
Illustrative example
At Northstar Industrial Systems, two shortlisted suppliers revise commercial and delivery terms in a documented second round after technical compliance is confirmed.
- Related terms
- Competitive bidding; RFx; Bid comparison; Award scenario
- Lifecycle stages
- Source; Award
- Stakeholders
- Procurement; Supplier; Operations; Finance