Various forms OF TENDERS LIKE : HOW MANY TYPES OF TENDER , L1 PURCHASE & DIRECT PURCHASE

 

### Key Points

- Research suggests the main types of tenders on the GeM portal are Standard Bids, Reverse Auctions, and Bid to RA, with additional specific types like Custom Bids and BOQ Bids.

- It seems likely that these tender types cater to different procurement needs, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

- The evidence leans toward variations like Service Bids and Single/Two Packet Bids, but the core processes are the main focus.

#### Overview

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal is an online platform for public procurement in India, offering various tender types to meet diverse government needs. Below, we break down the main types and provide additional details for clarity.

#### Main Types of Tenders

- Standard Bids: These are regular tenders where sellers submit offers for specific requirements, and the contract goes to the lowest-priced, technically compliant bid.

- Reverse Auctions (RA): Live auctions where qualified sellers compete by lowering prices in real-time to win the contract.

- Bid to RA: A hybrid process starting as a standard bid, then converting to a reverse auction after technical evaluation, with only qualified sellers participating.

#### Additional Specific Types

- Custom Bids: For procurement needs not covered by existing categories, where buyers define specific requirements.

- BOQ Bids: For multiple items or services, where buyers list quantities, and sellers quote prices for the package.

- Service Bids: Specifically for service procurement, where sellers propose based on buyer needs.

These tender types ensure a transparent and efficient process for government procurement, suitable for various complexities.

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### Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Tender Types on the GeM Portal

This section provides a comprehensive analysis of the types of tenders available on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, a national public procurement platform launched by the Government of India to facilitate online procurement for government entities. The analysis is grounded in detailed research conducted as of June 29, 2025, and aims to address the nuances of tender types, their processes, and their relevance for businesses and government buyers. The information is structured to provide a thorough understanding, including historical context, official documentation, and practical examples, ensuring a complete response to the query.

#### Overview of the GeM Portal and Tendering Process

The GeM portal, operational since its inception, is designed to enhance transparency, efficiency, and speed in public procurement, offering tools like e-bidding, reverse e-auction, and demand aggregation ([Government e Marketplace (GeM)](https://gem.gov.in/)). Tenders on GeM are essentially bids initiated by government buyers for procuring goods and services, with sellers participating by submitting offers. The portal categorizes tenders based on the nature of procurement (products or services), the bidding process (standard or reverse auction), and specific requirements (custom or bundled items). Registration on GeM is free for both buyers and sellers, but participation in tenders often requires compliance with technical specifications and documentation, such as vendor assessments for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), costing approximately ₹11,200 (excluding GST) ([GeM Vendor Assessment Information](https://www.professionalutilities.com/bidding-on-gem-portal.php)).

#### Main Types of Tenders on GeM

Research suggests the primary types of tenders on GeM are categorized based on the bidding process and procurement nature. The evidence leans toward the following main types, derived from official and third-party sources:

1. Standard Bids: These are the most common form of tenders, where sellers submit their offers in response to a specific requirement posted by a government buyer. The process is evaluated based on technical compliance and price, with the contract typically awarded to the Lowest Price (L1) bidder. Standard Bids can be further divided into:

- Single Packet Bids: All technical and financial documents are submitted together and evaluated simultaneously, best suited for simpler procurements.

- Two Packet Bids: Technical documents are evaluated first, and only compliant bids move to financial evaluation, ideal for complex procurements where technical compliance is critical. For example, a tender for office furniture might use a Single Packet Bid for simplicity, while specialized equipment might require a Two Packet Bid ([Types of Bid on GeM Portal: Detailed Guide](https://bidzprofessional.com/types-of-bid-on-gem-portal-detailed-guide/)).

2. Reverse Auctions (RA): These are live auctions where technically qualified sellers compete by reducing their prices in real-time, ensuring competitive pricing and transparency. RA is used when two or more bidders quote identical lowest prices after e-Bidding, with the start/reference price and step value of decrement indicated at the auction start. If a lower bid is received within 15 minutes of the end time, the auction extends by another 15 minutes, repeatable. EMD requirements are the same as e-Bidding, with exemptions for Micro and Small Enterprises, Startups, verified Sellers, and OEMs with turnover ≥ ₹1000 Crore and profit in the last 3 of 5 years ([GeM Bidding: Understand the Complete Process](https://www.gemregistrar.org/blog/gem-bidding)).

3. Bid to RA: This is a hybrid process where a tender starts as a standard bid, with sellers submitting initial offers, but converts to a reverse auction after the technical evaluation. Only sellers qualified as per the RA qualification rule participate in the auction, starting at the L1 rate. This ensures competitive pricing while maintaining technical compliance, suitable for procurements where initial bids need further competition ([Types of Bid/RA on GeM](https://www.edafter.com/docs/bid/types)).

#### Additional Specific Tender Types

Beyond the main process-based types, GeM offers specific tender types based on the nature of procurement, which research suggests are variations or subcategories:

1. Custom Bids: These are initiated when the desired product or service category does not exist on GeM, allowing buyers to define custom specifications. For example, specialized scientific equipment not listed in standard categories would use a Custom Bid, with a minimum bid value of ₹5 lakhs and a duration of 10 to 45 days, requiring approval for bids less than 21 days ([Mahaurja GeM User Manual](https://www.mahaurja.com/meda/data/other/GeMUsermanual.pdf)).

2. Bill of Quantity (BOQ) Bids: These are used for procurement involving multiple products or services, where buyers provide a detailed list of items and quantities, and sellers quote prices for the entire package. This is common for construction projects or large-scale procurements, ensuring all requirements are bundled into one tender ([Bidding on GeM: Types, Eligibility, Process and Tips](https://bizfoc.com/bidding-on-gem)).

3. Service Bids: Specifically for service procurement, these tenders require sellers to submit proposals detailing expertise, deliverables, and pricing based on the buyer’s needs. Service Bids can use predefined or custom specifications, focusing on service level agreements (SLAs) and scope of work, with evaluation modes like Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) or Least Cost Selection (LCS) ([GeM Portal Bidding Guide](https://www.professionalutilities.com/bidding-on-gem-portal.php)).

#### Categorization and Practical Examples

The GeM portal also categorizes tenders based on what is being procured, as seen in the bid listing page ([GeM | All Bids on GeM](https://bidplus.gem.gov.in/all-bids)), which includes:

- Product Bids/RAs: For goods like office supplies, electronics, or furniture.

- Service Bids/RAs: For services like IT maintenance or security services.

- Bunch Bids/RAs: For multiple items, possibly aligning with BOQ Bids.

For instance, a tender for laptops under the "Electronics > Laptops" category would be a Product Bid, while a tender for IT infrastructure maintenance would be a Service Bid. A construction project requiring building materials might use a BOQ Bid, combining multiple items into one tender.

#### Evaluation Methods and Minimum Durations

Tenders on GeM can be evaluated using different methods, such as:

- Single Packet: Best for simple procurements, with all documents evaluated together.

- Two Packet: For complex procurements, with technical evaluation first, then financial.

Minimum bid durations vary:

- Normal Category-Based Bids: 10 days.

- Custom Catalogue-Based Bids: 21 days.

- BOQ Based Bids: 21 days.

These durations ensure sufficient time for sellers to participate, with approvals needed for shorter durations in some cases ([Types of Bid on GeM Portal: Detailed Guide](https://bidzprofessional.com/types-of-bid-on-gem-portal-detailed-guide/)).

#### Table: Summary of Tender Types on GeM Portal

#### Importance and Relevance

Understanding these tender types is crucial for businesses, especially Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups, as GeM provides opportunities to sell directly to government agencies, reducing intermediary costs and enhancing transparency. The portal’s mandatory use for certain categories ensures a level playing field, with exemptions like EMD relief for MSMEs and DPIIT-certified startups ([GeM Tenders: Government e-Marketplace Bidding in 2025](https://www.edafter.com/blog/gem-portal-tenders)).

#### Conclusion

In summary, the GeM portal offers a range of tender types, primarily Standard Bids, Reverse Auctions, and Bid to RA, with additional specific types like Custom Bids, BOQ Bids, and Service Bids. These cater to diverse procurement needs, ensuring efficiency and competitiveness. Businesses can leverage these opportunities by understanding the processes, registering on the portal, and aligning their offerings with buyer requirements, supported by free training resources like the GeM Learning Management System ([GeM Interactive LMS](https://elearning.gem.gov.in/)).

### Key Citations

- [Government e Marketplace (GeM) National Public Procurement Portal](https://gem.gov.in/)

- [GeM Video Training Guides for Users](https://gem.gov.in/training/training_module)

- [GeM Interactive Learning Management System](https://elearning.gem.gov.in/)

- [Types of Bid on GeM Portal Detailed Guide](https://bidzprofessional.com/types-of-bid-on-gem-portal-detailed-guide/)

- [GeM Bidding Understand the Complete Process](https://www.gemregistrar.org/blog/gem-bidding)

- [Bidding on GeM Types Eligibility Process and Tips](https://bizfoc.com/bidding-on-gem)

- [GeM Portal Bidding Guide Process Types Vendor Assessment](https://www.professionalutilities.com/bidding-on-gem-portal.php)

- [Types of Bid/RA on GeM Detailed Information](https://www.edafter.com/docs/bid/types)

- [GeM Tenders Government e-Marketplace Bidding in 2025](https://www.edafter.com/blog/gem-portal-tenders)

- [Mahaurja GeM User Manual for Buyers and Sellers](https://www.mahaurja.com/meda/data/other/GeMUsermanual.pdf)