What is the procedure for the opening of bids?

Article 8 of the General Conditions of Tender

8. Opening of bids - invalid bids

8.1 Bid opening procedures will not be public. Bidders may not attend. Bids will be opened only if they arrive before the final date and time for receipt of bids and in the form specified in Article 7.

8.2 Bids received late or not in the prescribed form will be opened only where the reasons for this are beyond the Bidder's control, proof of which is required in writing.

8.3 As soon as the bids have been opened, all their essential elements, including any annexes, will be recorded and either given an identifying mark or electronically stored in such a way as to ensure the integrity of the data. The record is confidential. It may not be shown either to Bidders or to the public.