You want to know how to do LI (Limited Item / Limited Item Bidding / Limited Item Listing) on the GeM (Government e-Marketplace) portal . I’ll explain step by step in simple terms: 🔹 What is LI on GeM? On GeM, LI (Lowest Identified / Limited Item) generally refers to Lowest Bidder (L1) identification in tenders/RA (Reverse Auction). Sometimes users also say "LI" when they mean Limited Item Listing (putting a product/service with limited specifications). So I’ll cover both contexts : ✅ If you mean LI as Lowest Identified (L1) Bidder in Bid/RA This is when you want to participate in bids/tenders and become LI (lowest price supplier) . Steps: Login → Go to gem.gov.in and log in with your Seller ID. Search Opportunities → In the "Bids / RA" section, filter by your category/product/service. Check Eligibility → Read buyer requirements carefully (OEM, brand, compliance, experience, etc.). Quote Your Price → Submit your bid with the best comp...
As of May 11, 2025, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has introduced several significant updates aimed at enhancing the procurement experience for both buyers and sellers. Here's an overview of the key developments:
📈 GeM's Growth and Achievements
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Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) Milestone: GeM surpassed ₹5 lakh crore in GMV weeks before the end of FY 2024-25, reflecting a rapid expansion in public procurement.
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Seller Base Expansion: As of February 2025, over 22 lakh sellers and service providers are registered on GeM, with more than 29,000 startups and 1.8 lakh women-led businesses onboarded.
🔧 Platform Enhancements
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Mobile App Launch: GeM has introduced the "GeM Seller" app for both Android and iOS, allowing sellers to manage tasks such as order acceptance, delivery tracking, and invoice management on-the-go.
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Push Button Procurement (PBP) Enhancement: The PBP functionality has been enhanced to allow procurements up to ₹5 lakh, provided at least ten sources are listed in the category.
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New User Roles: GeM has introduced new user roles, including "Indentor" for cart creation and "Technical Evaluator" for bid evaluation, to streamline the procurement process.
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Buyback Feature: In line with GFR Rule 176, GeM now allows buyers to replace old items with new ones through a buyback feature, facilitating smoother procurement transitions.
🛡️ Policy and Regulatory Updates
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Caution Money Requirement: Sellers who have not paid the caution money to GeM will be unable to upload new products or brands until the payment is made.
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Incident Management Policy: GeM has implemented auto actions against buyers or sellers who fail to respond to show cause notices within 15 days, ensuring timely resolution of issues.
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e-Invoicing Integration: Sellers are now required to declare their e-invoicing status in their profiles, aligning with the government's digital invoicing initiatives.
🌐 Inclusivity and Transparency Initiatives
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Country of Origin Mandate: GeM has made it mandatory for sellers to update the country of origin for their products, promoting transparency and supporting the "Make in India" initiative.
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Public Contract Search: Users can now publicly search for contracts on GeM, enhancing transparency and accountability in government procurement.
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Tribal and Handloom Products: GeM, in collaboration with TRIFED and the Ministry of Textiles, has launched curated baskets of natural, handloom, and handcrafted products, supporting tribal artisans and weavers.
📱 Future Developments
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Mobile App for Buyers: The Ministry of Commerce is reviewing plans for a mobile app version of the GeM portal for buyers, aiming to further democratize the marketplace and enhance accessibility.
🧑💼 Tips and Techniques for Tender Executives
To effectively navigate the GeM portal and enhance your chances of success in government procurement, consider the following strategies:
1. Optimize Your Business Profile
A well-optimized business profile on GeM can significantly impact your success rate. Ensure all fields are filled out accurately and completely, including company details, product/service categories, and certifications. Highlight relevant certifications and accreditations prominently to establish credibility.
2. Research and Analyze Tender Notices
Thoroughly understand the specifications, requirements, and deadlines of each GeM tender. Utilize filters like value range, buyer organization, and bid closing date to identify relevant tenders. Engage with the GeM portal's query feature for clarifications if needed.
3. Tailor Your Bid to Meet Tender Specifications
Avoid generic bids. Customize your bid to address the specific needs of the tender. In your technical proposal, highlight how your product or service meets the tender's exact requirements, demonstrating your capability and experience.
4. Leverage GeM Features
Utilize features like Reverse Auction to optimize bids. Monitor competitor bids during live auctions and adjust your pricing dynamically to stay competitive. Participate actively in trial auctions to gain confidence in the process.
5. Highlight Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Emphasize what makes your offerings unique, such as innovative products, exceptional after-sales service, or faster delivery timelines. Showcase these advantages in your bid documents to stand out among competitors.
6. Provide Value-added Services
Offering value-added services like after-sales support, warranty, or free installation can make your bid more attractive to government buyers.
7. Understand Tender Terminology
Familiarize yourself with common terms like Request for Proposal (RFP), Earnest Money Deposit (EMD), and L1, L2, L3 bidders. Understanding these terms will help you navigate the tender process more effectively.
8. Seek Assistance from GeM Service Providers
Engage with experienced GeM consultants who can assist in preparing and submitting accurate, compliant bids. They can also help craft a bid that aligns with the buyer's expectations and requirements, increasing your chances of success.
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