Government Tenders: Eligibility Criteria

In simple language a ‘Tender’ means a process to invite bids (i.e. offers or proposals) for a definite work. Similarly, ‘Government Tender‘ is also a process through which government bodies invite submissions/ bids for a specific project or task to be carried out in a definite time period. Today, the government offers a variety and vide number of tenders like in the sector of infrastructure, cleaning, health, medical and many more.

Whenever a government tender is issued/passed/approved the bidders are likely to face healthy competition. This is because a government tender would offer a good quantum of work topped with the certainty of payment which is timely. This is one of the main reasons why government tenders in the recent scenario have been picking up good pace.  The competition gets healthier and competitive when more and more bidders try to bag these tenders.  

We are all well aware about the fact, that India is heading towards complete digitization. Nowadays, even the Government tenders are offered and uploaded electronically through Central Public Procurement Portal. This has given rise to massive E-procurement and E-tendering forums online.

Basic Government E-Tendering details:

From 2012, it is mandatory for all the Central Government, Central Public Sector and Autonomous bodies to publish (offer) their tenders on Central Public Procurement Portal. Central Public Procurement Portal has two modules, namely, the e-publishing module and the e-procurement module. The E-Publishing Module enables the Central Government and State Government organizations to publish their tender inquiries/documents, Corrigenda (i.e. Correct errors or make changes) and announce awards of contract details using https://eprocure.gov.in/epublish/app. On the other hand, the E-Procurement Module enables the tenderers to download the Tender Schedule (free of cost) and submit the bid online using https://eprocure.gov.in/eprocure/app.

Eligibility criteria to be fulfilled for a Government Tender:

It is essential to understand that each tender has its specific eligibility criteria, however, the most critical and general criteria you need to fulfil as a tenderer are explained below:

1. Acquire registration under the e-procurement module:

The basic need you require to address for any government tender is acquiring registration under the e-procurement website or e-tenders website. This is because the tendered only through these websites can file (i.e. bid) their tenders. 

Procedure to acquire registration below:

1. Visit website https://eprocure.gov.in/eprocure/app or https://etenders.gov.in/eprocure/app.
2. Click on ‘Online Bidder Enrollment’ provided on the right-hand side of the website under the Click here to Login button.
3. The ‘Online Bidder Enrollment form’ would appear. Here, you will be asked to fill in basic Tender details like:
4. Personal contact details: E-mail id and Mobile number (Please note the e-mail id and the mobile number should be accurate and the same needs to be verified)
5. Company details: Name; Registration Number; Registered Address; PAN/TAN Number, etc.
6. Contact person details: Contact name; Date of Birth; Designation etc.
7. Enter the Captcha and click on submit.

2. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC):

With the advancements of moving from traditional tendering/bidding procedures to online forums, a digital signature has become mandatory. To maintain transparency in all its procedures a digital signature has become indispensable. Therefore, the tenderer is required to procure a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) [both signing as well as encryption] of Class III DSCs. 

Why is Digital Certificate secured?

Digital Signature Certificate not only authenticates your identity electronically but also provides you with a high level of security by ensuring the complete privacy of the information exchanged using a digital certificate. Certificates are used to encrypt information so that only the intended recipient can read it. Information can be digitally signed to assure that it has not been changed in transit.

Benefits of a Digitial Certificate:

1. Reduced costs: The costs of stamps to mail your paperwork are avoided.
2. Increased productivity: As records are stored electronically in one place which makes it easier to submit reusable tenders.
3. Reduced errors: Errors can be tightly checked on as electronic paperwork is well-organized.

3. General government tenders are required to fulfill the following criteria:

• Technical criteria:

Under technical measures, various aspects like turnover; credentials; manufacturing capacity (if applicable); machinery and equipment; past performance; quality control system; after-sales services; the financial background is needed to be gratified by the respective tenderer.

• Monetary criteria:

Under monetary criteria, the tenderer is required to quote the amount within which the tender can be completed. This is one of the main criteria a tenderer needs to satisfy. On an obvious note, the tenderer who submits the lowest quote would be preferred over others.

• Other criteria:

Generally, the tenderer is required to submit the following documents in order to fulfill specific criteria.

• The tenderer is required to procure registration under various applicable laws like income tax; goods and service tax; ESI; EPF, etc. Additionally, the tenderer needs to provide a copy of all such registration certificates at the time of filing the Government tender.
• The tenderer also needs to submit a solvency certificate, generally, from its banker or as specified in the bid.
• The bidder should submit documents reflecting the past work experience or previously allocated tender details/ documents.

4. The tenderer is required to pay a specific tender cost.

Cost of Tender generally refers to the total cost a tendered will have to incur for the project as a whole. A tender price is therefore the price supplied by the tenderer to the client for the supply of those goods or services. The tender price is usually derived from the information that has been supplied by the client in the ITT documents. These documents are usually as detailed as possible to allow the formulation of accurate tender prices and may include:

1. A letter of invitation to tender
2. The form of tender
3. Preliminaries
4. The form of contract
5. A tender pricing document
6. A drawing schedule
7. Design drawings
8. Specifications.

If the client’s documents do not adequately describe the project they could lead to unrealistic tender submissions.
Also note, this cost once submitted is generally not only unchangeable but also non-refundable in most cases, so ensure you submit a cost after your adequate research and study. 

Conclusion:

Though a tenderer has to face many challenges in order to procure a Government tender and commencing work of the project, in most cases a government tender is preferred as the quantum of work is huge and you can expect timely payments. Find lucrative and latest government tenders online from various products and services like Audit, Auditing, Auto Parts, Automation, Automobile and Aviation.