Submitted Wrong Bid on a Government Tender? Here’s What You Can Do

SUBMITTED WRONG BID: If you’ve already submitted a bid against a government tender (including a GeM tender) and later realized that the pricing is wrong or offered product cannot be delivered, your options depend on the stage of the tender process and the tender platform’s rules.

Here’s how it typically plays out in India (GeM, CPPP, State e-tenders, etc.):

1. Before the Bid Submission Deadline

Withdraw and Resubmit:
Most portals allow you to withdraw your bid before the deadline, correct the price or product offering, and resubmit — this applies to every gem bid process.

On GeM, you can withdraw via the dashboard and then submit a correct bid (always ensure your Gem registration and documents are updated).

On CPPP / eProcurement portals, the process is similar — withdraw, correct, and re-upload.

No Penalty at this stage, as long as it’s before the closing time.

 

2. After the Bid Submission Deadline but Before Technical Opening

Usually No Changes Allowed:
Pricing, specs, and documents are locked. The system won’t let you edit your GeM tender details once the deadline has passed.

HIGHLY NO NO — Trying to correct or modify pricing at this stage is not permitted.

What you can do:

• Request withdrawal of the entire bid through the portal or by sending a formal written letter/email to the tendering authority.
• Be aware: It may impact credibility or lead to EMD forfeiture depending on tender rules.

Clarification Stage

If a Clarification is raised at the technical stage:

• You may choose to not respond so that the bid is disqualified (which may save you from loss).
• OR you may respond with a new fully compliant product (state clearly that pricing remains unchanged).

Demo / Presentation Stage

If a presentation or demo is required as part of technical evaluation:

• Avoid participating if the bid cannot be fulfilled.
• Do not state inability in writing — they may grant another chance, which traps you back in.

A gem consultant can help assess the safest move if you are confused or unsure.

 

3. After Technical Bid Opening

If technically qualified, your financial bid will be opened as submitted — no corrections are usually allowed.

However, in specific cases:

• If the authority requests clarification from all qualified bidders, you may get an opportunity to correct a clerical issue.
• If there’s a Reverse Auction/Price Auction, do not participate if your existing bid is wrong or financially unsafe to honour.

If your wrong price makes your bid unviable, the department may:

• Disqualify for “non-responsive bid”
• Allow correction only for proven typographical/arithmetical error (rare via e-tenders)

 

Golden Rule for Future Bids

Always double-check:

• Unit rates vs total rates
• GST inclusion/exclusion
• Currency & decimal placement
• Delivery capability & stock position

If raw material costs have escalated or delivery costs have increased, seek expert assistance for strategy, pricing structure, or contract renegotiation.

 

Need Support with GeM Tendering?

If errors, stress, or uncertainty in bidding are affecting your business, professional help can offer clarity.

 

About Veda Mode

Veda Mode is a government-recognised startup offering advisory, documentation and strategic support for government tendering, GeM tender submissions, and Gem registration assistance.

We assist businesses with:

• Tender strategy and documentation
• Bid drafting for gem bid submissions
• End-to-end consultancy for tender success
• Avoidance and correction strategy for wrong or risky quotations
• Expert support as a gem consultant for government procurement

Based in Delhi NCR with pan-India service capability.

If you need guidance on navigating GeM, avoiding loss on bids, or strengthening your tender approach, Veda Mode can help.