Standing offers and panels need to be distinguished from multi-use lists. A multi-use list is a list of pre-qualified suppliers who have satisfied specified conditions for inclusion on the list, intended for use in more than one procurement process. In circumstances where the acquiring entity requires goods or services on a recurring basis, multi-use lists can be a useful vehicle.38 Inclusion on a multi-use list may be used either as an essential criterion, as a condition for participation in an open tender, or as the basis for approaching participants in a select tender process. All contractors that satisfy the conditions for participation for inclusion on a multi-use list must be included on the list as soon as practicable. Inclusion on a multi-use list represents a pre-qualification for participation in a procurement selection process but is not a procurement selection process in itself. In most cases, a separate written contract will need to be developed as part of the procurement approach or after the actual supplier has been chosen on a merit basis. Most acquiring entities will have a set of standard contracts that can be drawn on in the contract development process.

In circumstances where the acquiring entity requires goods or services on a recurring basis, multi-use lists can be a useful vehicle.