5.19 The dialogue may be conducted in successive stages which means that it is permitted to reduce, in stages, the number of solutions (which can be the equivalent to proposed tenders/bids) discussed and/or participants involved. This reduction must be carried out by applying the award criteria which are either set out in the OJEU notice or the ITPD or "Memorandum of Information" issued to participants at the start of the dialogue phase. The OJEU Notice and "Memorandum of Information" must indicate that there is an intention to use successive stages. There is no limit on the number of stages which can be used provided that, at the end of the dialogue, there are sufficient participants to allow for a genuine competition (usually a minimum of 2).