This refers to a method of procurement which is open to participation by any interested party and which consists of the following processes: advertisement, pre-bid conference, eligibility screening of prospective bidders, receipt and opening of bids, evaluation of bids, post-qualification, and award of contract. Based on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9184, the terms “Competitive Bidding” and “Public Bidding” shall have the same meaning and shall be used interchangeably.