On GeM, larger government purchases happen through bids. A buyer publishes a bid with the item or service, quantity, specifications and conditions, and registered sellers submit offers before the closing date.
Before you bid
- Your GeM seller profile is complete and verified.
- Your product or service is listed in the matching category, where the bid needs a catalogue offer.
- You have the documents the bid asks for, scanned and ready.
Step by step
- Find bids. Search the bid list by category, keyword, state or department. Note the bid number and end date.
- Read the bid document fully. Check eligibility (turnover, experience, OEM authorisation), specifications, delivery period, EMD, and the additional terms added by the buyer (often called ATC).
- Check the evaluation method. Most bids are awarded to the lowest-priced technically qualified offer. Some go to reverse auction after technical evaluation.
- Prepare documents. Upload exactly what the bid asks for, in the given format, against each requirement.
- Create and submit your offer. Enter your price, confirm compliance with each specification and submit with OTP or eSign before the deadline.
- Track the result. After opening, the buyer evaluates technical compliance first, then prices. You can see the status in your seller dashboard.
Common mistakes
- Missing the buyer's additional terms, which can add documents or conditions not in the standard bid.
- Uploading a document in the wrong place or an unreadable scan.
- Quoting without checking delivery period and location costs.
- Claiming MSE or startup benefits without the matching certificate.
Your price is your decision. A good adviser helps with documents and compliance; nobody can promise an award.
Sources
SoftTender is a private consultancy. We are not affiliated with GeM, CPPP, NSIC or any Government department. Registration on official portals such as GeM is free; we charge only for our assistance service. We do not guarantee that any tender will be awarded.