How To Bid in GeM Portal : GeM Tender

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has transformed the way of making public procurements in India. Conceived as an order system run on the internet, which involves government purchasers and registered exporters, GeM eases the procurement activities and makes them transparent and supposedly fair competition. When you are a supplier who wants to sell its products or provide the service to the government departments, you need to know how to bid using the GeM portal. Tender detail is also a guide in which we have explained how the entire process of bidding works on GeM platform.

What is GeM?

Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Prices an online procurement platform created by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Governments of India. It allows the various government departments, the public sector units (PSUs) and other government entities to buy goods and services of verified sellers in a safe, efficient, and transparent form

Key Features of GeM:

• Online, paperless procurement process

• Direct access to government buyers

• Transparent bidding and reverse auctioning

• Timely payment via PFMS

Prerequisites for Bidding on GeM

Before you can start bidding on the GeM portal, you need the following:

1. GeM Seller Registration: You must be a registered seller on the GeM portal.

2. Profile Completion: Fill in organization details, PAN, GST, bank account, product/service listings, and address verification.

3. Catalog Upload: List your products or services with complete specifications and pricing.

4. Brand Approval (if required): If you’re offering branded products, get them approved via GeM''s brand registration process.

Tender Detail Tip: Ensure your documents are updated and validated to avoid bid rejection.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bid on GeM Portal

Let’s walk through the process of participating in a bid on the GeM portal:

Step 1: Login to the GeM Seller Dashboard

• Visit https://gem.gov.in

• Click on “Login” and select “Seller”

• Enter your registered email ID and password

• Complete OTP verification (if prompted)

Step 2: Access Active Bids

Once logged in:

• Navigate to “Bids” > “Participate in Bids”

• You will see a list of active bids relevant to your category

You can also filter the bids based on:

• Product/Service Category

• Bid Type (Open, Reverse Auction)

• Start/End Date

• Buyer Organization

Step 3: Download Bid Documents and Read Carefully

Before participating, download the bid document and carefully check:

• Eligibility criteria

• Technical specifications

• Delivery timelines

• Payment terms

• EMD (Earnest Money Deposit), if applicable

• Evaluation criteria (L1 or QCBS)

Tender Detail Insight: Ignoring specifications or compliance terms is one of the top reasons for bid rejection.

Step 4: Click on “Participate”

If you meet the criteria and are ready to bid:

• Click “Participate” next to the bid you’re interested in

• Accept the bid terms and conditions

• Upload necessary documents (PDF format recommended)

5: Submit Technical Bid

In this section:

• Fill out product specifications, compliance certificates, and other requested details

• If a technical document or brochure is needed, upload the same

• Ensure that your offering matches 100% of the buyer’s listed requirements

6: Submit Price Bid

• Input your unit price (including GST and transportation if required)

• Check if Reverse Auction is enabled. If yes, be prepared to revise your price during the auction phase

• Once filled, submit your bid

Note: You cannot modify the bid after submission, except during the reverse auction phase (if allowed).

Step 7: Reverse Auction (if applicable)

If the buyer has enabled the reverse auction feature:

• Shortlisted bidders will be notified

• Participate in the live auction within the allotted time window

• Lower your price strategically to remain competitive

Step 8: Bid Evaluation and Result

After submission:

• The buyer reviews all technical bids

• If technically qualified, your financial bid will be opened

• You will be notified of the result via email and dashboard notification

If selected, you will receive a Purchase Order (PO) through the portal.

Documents Required for Bidding on GeM

Depending on the bid, you may need:

• Company Registration Certificate

• GST Certificate

• PAN Card

• Authorization Letter (if applicable)

• Product Brochure or Specification Sheet

• Financial Statements or Turnover Certificate

• Past Work Orders (for service-related bids)

Tips to Win Bids on GeM – From Tender Detail Experts

1. Regularly Monitor New Bids: Set up email alerts or use platforms like Tender Detail to get real-time notifications.

2. Keep Prices Competitive: Understand market trends before quoting.

3. Ensure Technical Compliance: Even a small mismatch can disqualify your bid.

4. Build Buyer Trust: Maintain high seller ratings and fulfill past orders on time.

5. Respond to Clarifications Promptly: Buyers may raise clarifications during the bid evaluation. Respond within deadlines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in GeM Bidding

• Submitting bids without reading all terms

• Uploading wrong or outdated documents

• Quoting prices exclusive of applicable taxes

• Missing reverse auction window

• Listing products with incorrect specifications

Benefits of Bidding Through GeM Portal

• Access to thousands of government buyers

• Faster procurement cycles

• Payment protection under the GeM framework

• Minimal paperwork and easy bid tracking

• Opportunities for MSMEs, startups, and women entrepreneurs

Final Thoughts

The opportunity to bid on the GeM portal is an excellent chance to manufacture the relationship of business with the government buyers. Through proper preparation, adherence and good prices, you can open the doors to a good flow of government contracts. Whether you are selling office stationery, IT services, furniture or manpower services, GeM offers equitable and efficient marketplace. Here at Tender Detail we assist such businesses as yours in getting ahead in the process of government procurement. Whether it involves monitoring live GeM tenders, learning about documentation needs and the procedure of submitting bids, our team will make sure you do not miss out on any chance.