If you're a business owner, whether you're just starting out or already growing, government procurement might feel a bit overwhelming. But trust us, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is one of the most powerful tools you can use to expand your reach, especially for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Leveraging GeM, you can offer your products or services directly to government departments in a transparent and hassle-free manner. And the best part? It’s open to everyone, from small items like office suppliers, domestic care products or major industrial equipment sellers.
So, how do you actually find bids that match what you offer? Let’s walk through the step-by-step process to locate, understand, and act on bids that match your offerings on GeM.
Get Registered on GeM#
GeM follows a transparent public procurement process, allowing anyone to search and view bids. However, to participate in a GeM bid, your business must be registered on the GeM portal.
How to register:
- Visit https://gem.gov.in
- Click “Sign Up” > Select “Seller/Service Provider”
- Provide your business name and type
- Fill in the mandatory business details (PAN, Aadhaar, Udyam Registration, bank info). The GeM portal is integrated with other government platforms to validate the details you provide, so ensure you provide the correct details to avoid any issues while registration.
📌 We have covered the detailed steps involved in completing the registration process in another blog, which can be referred to here
Catalogue Listing#
Once your profile is 100% completed, you can move to the next step, listing your products or services. GeM is a catalogue-based system that categorizes products and services to simplify the procurement process.
GeM uses a catalogue-based system for streamlined procurement.
- Product Listing: You may refer to our detailed blog on how to add a product offering by clicking here
- Service Listing: The service listing guide can be accessed by clicking here
This is your gateway into the platform.
Know the Types of Bids on GeM#
There are two primary methods the government department procures through GeM:
-
Direct Purchase: For orders under INR 10,00,000, buyers can directly place orders without bidding. However, for order values above INR 50,000, comparison between the products must be provided. There is no rule for the total order value of less than INR 50,000.
-
Bidding/Reverse Auction (RA): For order value of more than 10 lacs, departments float tenders for sellers to participate.
Understanding these helps you decide which opportunities fit your business. You may refer to the explanation on different types of bids provided in this link.
Navigate the Bid Section#
Once you're logged in:
- Click on the menu option Bids > List of Bids
- Use the search bar or filter by your listed product or service categories
- You may use various filters like:
- Bid type
- Bid value
- Bid status
- Bid closing date
It is important to note that you will only be able to see the bids of the products/services that are published/listed successfully. So, always remember to keep your catalogue updated.
Check Bid Alerts and Notifications#
GeM automatically sends alerts via SMS and email whenever a bid relevant to your products is published. Don’t ignore these; they are the path to the goldmines.
Read and Analyze the Bid Documents Thoroughly#
Once you identify a bid that you wish to participate in, download and go through the bid document carefully and ensure to check:
- Type of Bid (Product bid, Custom Bid, BOQ Bid, etc.)
- Eligibility criteria (financials, certifications, past experience)
- Technical specifications and scope
- Submission guidelines and timelines
Prepare your documentation, certifications, and price quotes accordingly. The more prepared you are, the better your chances of winning.
Use the “Participate” option:#
If you are eligible and prepared
- Click on the Participate button on the bid page
- Fill in your technical and financial offer
- Upload required documents
- Review everything before clicking submit
Remember to note the Bid offer validity; your offered price will remain valid for this period. No room for mistakes here, double-check everything.
Track Your Bid Status#
After submitting the bid, you should regularly track the status of the participation:
- Regularly check the status of your bid in the "Bids > List of Bids " section.
- Respond quickly if the buyer seeks clarification.
- If awarded, you will receive a confirmation and an online Purchase Order (PO) through the portal.
Tips to Boost Your Chances of Winning the Bid#
- Update your catalogue regularly; outdated listings can cost you leads
- Deliver on time, and positive ratings mean better visibility.
- Start with small bids, build your reputation first
- Review past bids, understand and learn buyer preferences and behavior in your sector
Final Thoughts#
Finding and winning bids on GeM doesn’t have to be intimidating. It’s a strategic opportunity to unlock government business opportunities like never before.
For MSMEs in particular, consistent participation, quality service, and smart bidding can turn GeM into a powerful driver of growth and credibility.
By registering your business, staying updated with bid alerts, carefully evaluating opportunities, submitting competitive offers and tracking the bid status, you position yourself for long-term success. And if keeping track of all this feels like too much? Don’t worry; we can help you stay on top.
From identifying relevant bids to assisting with submissions, our team at Bidz365 has your back. Let us simplify your GeM journey. Reach out today and focus on growing your business while we handle the rest.
Bidz365 | Simplifying Government Procurement
