3.5 The first formal step in the public procurement process is for the NHSScotland body to consider issuing a Prior Information Notice (PIN). The format of any PIN issued should follow that required by the procurement Regulations. The issuing of a PIN is not compulsory other than in exceptional circumstances.
3.6 Including the project in the PIN is a useful way to gauge the level of market interest and give advance notification of the scheme. Such a PIN may be particularly useful as a means of opening a dialogue with the market (since participants throughout the European Community would thereby have an opportunity of recording their interest).