When only one bidder qualifies technically on a GeM tender, special compliance rules apply. Buyers must justify proceeding with a single bidder to ensure audit compliance.
Important Compliance Disclaimer
Before starting, please note that SahayakAI is an independent, private technology platform. We are not affiliated with, authorized, or officially connected with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM Portal) or the Government of India. The official portal is hosted at https://gem.gov.in. Use this manual for educational guidance, and always verify current criteria on the official site.
Single Bid Qualification Criteria
Under General Financial Rules (GFR), a single bid situation can arise in two scenarios:
- Only one bid is received in response to the tender notification.
- Multiple bids are received, but only one bidder qualifies technically during the evaluation phase.
In both cases, the procurement is treated as a Single Tender.
Rules for Accepting Single Bids
To approve a single bid:
- The buyer must confirm that the specifications were not restrictive or tailored for a specific vendor.
- The bid must have been active on the portal for the mandatory minimum duration (usually 10 to 21 days).
- The quoted price must align with market rates or internal estimation benchmarks.
Recommendations for Sellers
If you find yourself as the sole bidder:
- Ensure your pricing is competitive. If your price exceeds market rates, the buyer will likely cancel the tender and re-invite bids.
- Upload comprehensive catalog parameters to verify compliance with tender specifications.