eTender and procurement process in Karnataka

Online – eTender and Procurement process in Karnataka

Small and medium-sized firms now have the ability to compete for public sector contracts via the use of an online platform known as eTender or eProcurement.

Vendors are required to create a profile on eProcurement portals before they may submit bids for government contracts.

All contract assignments are processed digitally. Because of its ease of use, efficiency, and cost efficiency.

E-tenders allow clients to quickly and easily get the best possible service/vendor to meet their specific requirements.

Table of Contents

  1. What is an eTender & eProcurement system?
  2. Types of eTender
  3. Selection procedure of vendors
  4. How to register on the Portal?
  5. What are the benefits of eTendering?
  6. Conclusion
  7. FAQs

What is an eTender Procurement system for vendors?

Electronic Procurement (eProcurement) Systems allow for the requesting and managing of bids and contracts online in real time.

Facilitating faster awarding of contracts and decreasing costs via intermediaries & more transparency throughout the process.

Types of eTenders

The type of tender depend on the complexity of the project and the amount of specialism necessary to accomplish it. 

Such as:-

Open tenders:

The most common kind of bid is an open bidding. In which any interested party with the necessary qualifications may take part in the live bidding process. The etender portal is where interested vendors can access information about the tender and submit a their bid.

Selective tendering:

Selective tendring is used to request bids from a limited pool of potential vendors when the scope of the project necessitates specialized expertise.

As a first step, authorities do a thorough background check on all prospective contractors, assessing their track records and making sure they have are fulfilling their requirement.

Negotiation tendering:

In such type of tendering client usually approaches the suppliers or contractors directly to negotiate terms. Such contracts require highly specialized and skilled vendors.

Selection procedure of vendors

  1. Determining the Tender Process: Client has the power to decide which kind of tender they want t0 issue for their contract. Once the type is  decided as per the requirement. Tender will be published on etender portals.
  1. Expression of Interest (EOI): For preliminary evaluation, expression of interest (EOI) is used. This method is used to narrow down potential vendors before requesting formal bids.

The Client may then request bids from potential suppliers through a selective bidding process. The process is speed up and excellent bids are received from just the most serious candidates.

  1. Request for Information (RFI): Requests for Information (RFIs) are used to glean information about the needs of a project. To put it simply, it’s a document that clarifies the project’s needs and the suppliers’ capacities. The client might then initiate the bidding procedure.
  1. Request for Proposal (RFP): Requests for proposals (RFPs) are formal documents that require vendors to present comprehensive strategies for achieving a specified goal. 

Information on the project’s problems, as well as the project’s business goals and deadline, are all included.

  1. Request for Quotation (RFQ): This document is more explicit in that it requests the Client’s particular needs and expects providers to provide price quotes.

How to register on the Portal for eTenders in Karnataka

  • The eProcurement platform simplifies eTender registration for suppliers and bidders.
  • Choose the Online Bidder Enrollment link on the eTenders website to access the online registration form. Once the profile creation is completed user can log-in.
  • Use your username and password to log in, and then map your class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) with your account to finish the procedure.

BID Submission process via eProcurement Portal

  1. Upon completion of the DSC mapping, bidders may log in with their login and password.
  1. To access the Portal, enter your username and password.
  1. You may modify certificates and purchase orders, among other documents, on the My Documents area of your profile.
  1. Before submitting a bid, it is possible to peruse the solicitation notices and download the related documents for a thorough evaluation. (A bidder may access the solicitation without logging onto their profile.)
  1. Once all prerequisites are met, the BOQ should be finalised and posted without any modifications to the template. To the BOQ, bidders may only add names and values.
  1. Prepare and submit the bid documents in the only acceptable format.

Benefits of eTendering

  1. Paperless online process:  The entire procedure is carried out online using a secure eTender platform, from the creation of vendor profiles through the distribution of government contracts to contractors.
  1. Cost-efficient and time-saving process: As opposed to the conventional tender process. The eTendering and procurement approach drastically reduces the monetary expenses and saves time
  1. Live tenders on a secured portal: After a tender is posted, it will remain visible on the Portal until the submission deadline has passed. The publication of a conventional tender might take months, and there is often a great deal of supplementary information that is not easily accessible on traditional channels.
  1. Transparent procurement policy: Online tendering and procurement eliminates the opportunity for corruption and is more dependable and transparent than traditional approaches.

Tips to stand out from your competitors in bidding

  • competitive bidding
  • Give it more authority and know-how.
  • Your professional history and background
  • By using the latest technology and experts in the field, they may be able to add value to their project.
  • Show them that you know what they want and that you have experience in the field.

Conclusion

eTenders make the public procurement process more reliable, easy, and quick, and they give small businesses the same chance. Electronic tendering is becoming more popular, which is good for both buyers and sellers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fee for tenders in Karnataka?

Registration on eTender Portal of Karnataka is free of cost and requires only authorized class-3 DSC of the vendor 

What is the validity period of the profile after the e-tender portal registration?

As long as the “digital signature certificate” (DSC) is being used, the eTender Portal profile will stay active. When the DSC runs out, vendors have to renew it.

How to view & download tenders online on the eTender web portal?

As long as the “digital signature certificate” (DSC) is being used, the eTender Portal profile will stay active. When the DSC runs out, vendors have to renew it.

What is the validity period of the digital signature certificate?
DSCs can only be used for up to two years and must be renewed on time. Without a digital signature certificate, once DSC is inactive, vendors can not participate in etendering.