| How long does a tender need to be open for? |
Tender Process
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How long does a tender need to be open for?
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Unless a tender is subject to a free trade agreement, it is recommended that it should be open for approximately three weeks. However, this will depend largely upon the nature and complexity of the purchase. If the requirements are complex, or it is likely that interested businesses may need to form partnerships/consortia with other businesses in order to fulfill the requirements of the tender, then sufficient time will need to be provided to enable this process to occur and the response to be prepared.
For further information in relation to time limitations of tenders for goods and services, such as issuing addenda, refer to Inviting Tenders.
Unless a tender is subject to a free trade agreement, at a minimum, all major works tenders must be open for 2 1/2 weeks (18 days) advertising time when the projects are valued at less than $1million and 3 1/2 weeks (25 days) for projects valued at $1million and over.
In addition, a tender:
It is usual practice to close tenders on a Wednesday at 2.00pm where possible, after taking the above factors into account.
Once tenders have been called, the tender period should not normally be extended and, as a general rule, a request by a single tenderer for an extension of the closing date should not be considered. However, if the number of tenderers is likely to be significantly reduced due to an insufficient tender period or due to the issue of addenda, consideration should be given to extending the tender closing date.
Keep in mind that the person intending to lodge a submission will be required to be acquainted with all matters relating to the proposed contract, including an inspection of the site, prior to lodging their submission.
For further information in relation to time limitations of tenders for major works, such as issuing addenda, refer to the Procurement Process for Major Works.
There is no mandatory set period for which a minor works procurement should be open. However, it is important to ensure that sufficient time is provided to enable contractors to properly formulate their submission.
Keep in mind that the person intending to lodge a submission will be required to be acquainted with all matters relating to the proposed contract, including an inspection of the site, prior to lodging their submission.
For further information in relation to time limitations of tenders for minor works, such as issuing addenda, refer to the Procurement Process for Minor Works.
Where a tender is impacted by a free trade agreement, a tender must be electronically advertised for at least 25 days (or 30 days if not advertised electronically) from the date of publication of the Request for Tender. Lesser periods of time can apply in specific circumstances. For further information, refer to the Free Trade Agreements Guideline.
