What is MAF?

What is a MAF?

A Manufacturer’s Authorisation Form, also called an OEM authorisation letter, is issued by the original equipment manufacturer to a bidder who is not the manufacturer. It confirms that the OEM allows that bidder to offer its products in the tender and will support them.

Buyers ask for it to make sure the products are genuine and that warranty, spares and service will be available through the contract.

What a MAF usually states

Many tenders give a fixed MAF format, and some ask for it to be tender-specific rather than a general dealer certificate. On GeM, resellers may need the OEM to authorise them for certain products on the platform.

• The tender number and the name of the buyer
• The bidder’s name as the authorised dealer or partner
• The products or models covered
• The OEM’s commitment to warranty, spares and support for the contract period
• Signature of an authorised OEM official, on the OEM’s letterhead

Tips for bidders

Request the MAF from the OEM early. OEMs often have their own approval process and may authorise only one or a few partners per tender.

Check the tender number, date and model names in the MAF before uploading. If the tender also sets criteria for the OEM, such as service centres or turnover, collect those documents too.