01
Submitting and confirming an online bid
Upload early, sign each required component, complete final submission or freeze and download the acknowledgement. A saved draft is not a submitted bid. Portal server time controls the closing event, and authorities are rarely able to accept a late bid outside the published process.
Practical checks
- Complete a test upload before the final day.
- Verify status after signing and freezing.
- Archive acknowledgement, hashes and final files.
Questions answered in this section
- How do I submit an online tender?
- What does freeze bid mean?
- Can I edit after final submission?
- Can I withdraw and resubmit?
- Can I replace a document?
- How do I confirm submission?
- What is submission receipt?
- Which time controls the deadline?
02
What to do when the portal fails
Capture screenshots, timestamps, tender ID and support-ticket details immediately, then follow the portal helpdesk and tender authority’s prescribed channel. A local browser, connectivity or token problem normally does not extend the deadline. Do not rely on an informal assurance.
Practical checks
- Use supported software and stable connectivity.
- Escalate while the submission window remains open.
- Keep support reference numbers.
Questions answered in this section
- What if portal fails near deadline?
- Can a late bid be accepted?
- Why is upload failing?
- Why is BOQ rejected?
- Why is signature invalid?
- Why did the session expire?
- What evidence should I preserve?
- Who do I contact for portal issues?
03
How bids are evaluated
The authority checks fee and bid security, prequalification and technical responsiveness before opening financial bids where a staged process applies. Price may be evaluated through L1, QCBS, quality-based selection or reverse auction according to the tender. The lowest submitted number does not override technical disqualification.
Practical checks
- Read the evaluation formula before pricing.
- Distinguish clarification from an impermissible material change.
- Track portal status and published results.
Questions answered in this section
- How are technical bids evaluated?
- How are financial bids evaluated?
- What is L1?
- What is QCBS?
- What is quality-based selection?
- What is reverse auction?
- When is financial bid opened?
- Can buyer negotiate with L1?
04
Why bids are rejected and what to do
Common causes include invalid or missing EMD, expired registrations, wrong financial years, inadequate similar-work evidence, unsigned forms, price in the technical cover, modified BOQ, missed corrigenda and conditional qualifications. Request the recorded reason through the designated representation or grievance process and obtain legal advice where the stakes justify it.
Practical checks
- Compare the reason against the exact tender clause.
- Submit factual, timely representations.
- Do not misstate or retrospectively alter evidence.
Questions answered in this section
- Why was my technical bid rejected?
- Can expired documents cause rejection?
- Can unsigned annexure cause rejection?
- Can wrong financial year cause rejection?
- Can clerical errors be corrected?
- Must authority give a reason?
- How do I challenge rejection?
- What does blacklisting mean?
Official sources and further reading
Reviewed against the cited sources on 27 September 2026. Requirements can change and the specific tender document remains controlling.