In the logistics sector, the transparency and standardization of bidding processes are crucial factors in ensuring fair competition. However, many companies undertaking independent bidding often lack clarity about required conditions, frequently encountering regulatory pitfalls. New regulations now provide detailed specifications that both procurement units and bidders must thoroughly understand.
Eligibility for Independent Bidding
While procurement laws don't restrict independent bidding to specific project types, previous regulations lacked detailed operational guidance. Current provisions primarily apply to projects excluded from centralized procurement catalogs and those with special requirements. Companies must first verify their project's eligibility before proceeding with independent bidding.
According to the Government Procurement Goods and Services Bidding Management Measures , organizations conducting independent bidding must meet several key requirements:
- Independent civil liability capacity: The procurement entity must be legally capable of assuming full responsibility without risk of liability gaps.
- Bidding organization capabilities: This includes competency in drafting bidding documents and managing related processes, supported by professional staff commensurate with the project scale.
- Government procurement training certification: Personnel must complete training programs authorized by provincial-level financial departments, ensuring specialized expertise.
Entities failing to meet these standards must engage professional procurement agencies through formal Entrustment Agreements to guarantee regulatory compliance and procedural validity.
Bidding Announcements and Submission Deadlines
Updated regulations specify new timeframes for bidding announcements. Public bidding notices and prequalification announcements for invited bidding must now adhere to revised requirements: prequalification announcements must be published for at least seven working days, with bidders required to submit certification materials three working days before the announcement period concludes.
Furthermore, when issuing bidding invitations, procurement units must randomly select at least three qualified bidders from pre-approved candidate pools, ensuring impartiality and transparency. The updated management measures also mandate a minimum 20-day period between bidding document release and submission deadline, allowing adequate preparation time for participants.
Conclusion
Given the complexity of bidding regulations, both procurement units and bidders must maintain awareness of regulatory updates to mitigate legal risks. Maintaining transparent information flows and strict adherence to bidding procedures will contribute significantly to the healthy development of the logistics industry.
