What is Pre-bid meeting?
A pre-bid meeting is a session the buyer holds before the bid deadline to explain the tender and answer bidders’ questions and concerns.
What is a pre-bid meeting?
A pre-bid meeting, or pre-bid conference, is arranged by the buyer after the tender is published and before bids are due. Its purpose is to clear doubts about scope, specifications and terms, so that bids are complete and comparable.
It is common in large, technical and works tenders. The NIT gives the date, the venue or online link, and the last date for sending written queries.
How it works
Attendance is often optional, but some tenders make it mandatory or link it to a site visit.
- Bidders send queries in writing, often in a set format, before a cut-off date
- The buyer’s officials discuss the queries at the meeting, in person or online
- The buyer publishes replies for all bidders, usually as minutes or a corrigendum
- Only written clarifications issued by the buyer change the tender
Tips for bidders
Read the whole tender before the meeting so your questions are specific. Quote the clause and page number in each query, and propose the change you want.
Raise restrictive specifications or unclear PQ conditions here; it is your best chance to get them changed. Do not rely on verbal answers; wait for the published reply.
Common questions
Common questions about Pre-bid meeting in government tenders.
Usually not, but some tenders make it mandatory. Check the NIT.
Often yes, to the email address in the tender, or through the portal. Follow the format and deadline given.
Yes. Once the buyer publishes them as minutes or a corrigendum, they form part of the tender.
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