The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal is a one-stop platform for public procurement in India. It provides transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in the procurement process. If you're a seller looking to participate in product bids on GeM, this blog will guide you in understanding the step-by-step process and key aspects involved.
Prerequisites for Participating in Product Bids#
Before participating in bids on the GeM portal, ensure you meet the following prerequisites:
Seller Registration
- Visit the GeM Portal and click on “Sign Up”.
- Select Seller and fill out the required details, such as organization type, PAN, and email.
- Complete the registration by verifying your email and mobile number.
Remember, the required documents change according to the type of business entity selected. You may read more about seller registration in this post.
Understanding Types of Bids on GeM#
GeM bidding is primarily divided into two types, each catering to different procurement scenarios:
Standard Bid/Tender#
The Standard Bid process is the most common form of bidding on the GeM platform. Sellers submit their offers in response to a specific tender or requirement posted by government buyers.
The bid is open for a designated time, during which eligible sellers can participate. Once the bidding period ends, the buyer evaluates the offers based on predefined criteria, often awarding the contract to the Lowest Price (L1) bidder.
How to Participate in Product Bids: A step-by-step guide#
A. Search for the appropriate Bids#
- Log in to your GeM Seller account.
- Go to the Bid/RA section.
- Use filters to search for relevant bids based on product category.
B. Review the Bid Details to find the relevance and requirements#
Click on the bid to view the detailed tender document.
Carefully review the following:
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Product Specifications: Ensure that your product matches the buyer’s requirements, including size, functionality, features, and compliance with quality standards.
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Bid Eligibility Criteria: Verify conditions such as turnover, certifications, and experience needed to qualify.
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Delivery Timelines and Locations: Assess whether you can meet the buyer’s expected delivery schedule and specified delivery points.
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Payment Terms and Contractual Conditions: Understand the payment schedule, terms, and any other relevant contractual obligations.
If your product is not listed then follow the below steps to list the products:
- Navigate to Add New Offering under the Catalogue > Products.
- Provide detailed specifications, pricing, and images for your product as per bid requirement.
- Ensure compliance with GeM’s quality and specification guidelines.
Note: Product Specification, Quality, and Location should be according to the bid document. Otherwise, you will not be able to choose the uploaded product at the time of participation
Learn How to list products on GeM
C. Participating in the Bid#
- Click on the Participate button for the selected bid.
- Select the product you have listed that matches the requirements.
- Enter your pricing, ensuring it includes all applicable charges and taxes including GST.
- Upload the necessary documents, such as product catalogues, licenses, certifications, and any required declarations. (Note: You can generate the required documents using our free tools.)
- Verify your submission with the available methods.
D. Monitoring and Replying#
Post submission, monitor the bid status regularly and check if the buyer has requested any clarification.
Tips for Winning Product Bids#
- Understand Bid Document: Thoroughly check bid documents and understand the terms & conditions mentioned by the buyer. You can also place a request for clarification if needed.
- Competitive Pricing: Offer the best possible price including taxes without compromising on quality.
- Ensure Compliance: Submit accurate documents and adhere to bid requirements.
- Leverage MSME Benefits: If you're an MSME OEM, take advantage of reserved quotas and exemptions.
- Prompt and Accurate Communication: Respond promptly & accurately to buyer queries or clarifications.
Post-Bid Activities#
If you have received the order. Ensure you process it timely and generate an invoice on the GeM Portal. So that the buyer can receive it and process the payment for your supplies in a timely manner.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them#
- Issue: Difficulty in understanding bid requirements.
- Solution: Seek clarification through the GeM portal’s query resolution mechanism.
- Issue: High competition leading to price wars.
- Solution: Ensure the quality of the product and service and stay competitive.
- Issue: Payment delays.
- Solution: Contact the buyer for an amicable solution or raise incidents on the GeM portal.
We also offer a comprehensive training program for sellers to train them on how they can navigate the GeM portal and increase their chances of winning government orders, you can join the same so that don’t miss any future business opportunities.
Conclusion#
It is most important to regularly check and identify the new bids and participate. Participating in product bids on the GeM portal can be a lucrative opportunity for businesses. By following the steps outlined above and adopting a strategic approach, you can maximize your chances of success.
Please be informed that some product bids may require you to follow additional steps. Here in this post, we have tried to cover all the standard steps for participation in the product bids.
If you need any help in bid participation or any other GeM portal-related services, you can reach out to our experts anytime.
