An e-tender (electronic tender) is an online process where MEFCC Promotion Council (India) invites bids from Company/NGO for procurement of goods, services, or projects. Instead of using paper-based tenders, e-tendering is conducted digitally through specialized online portals.

Key Features of E-Tendering:

1. Online Bid Submission – Company/NGO submit bids through an online platform.

2. Transparency – Ensures fair competition as all bidders get equal access to tender documents.

3. Security – Uses encryption and authentication to protect bid data.

4. Efficiency – Speeds up the procurement process and reduces paperwork.

5. Cost Savings – Reduces administrative costs for both buyers and bidders.

Steps in E-Tendering:

1. Tender Notice Publication – The buyer (government or company) posts the tender on an online portal.

2. Registration – Interested bidders register on the portal.

3. Download Documents – Bidders access tender documents, specifications, and terms.

4. Query & Clarifications – Bidders can ask questions or seek clarifications.

5. Bid Submission – Bidders submit their proposals online before the deadline.

6. Bid Opening & Evaluation – The buyer opens and evaluates bids, ensuring compliance with criteria.

7. Award of Contract – The best bid is selected, and the contract is awarded.

E-tendering offers several benefits for Company/NGO . Here are the key advantages:

1. Transparency & Fairness

   - Reduces corruption and favoritism by providing equal opportunities to all bidders.
   - Ensures compliance with procurement rules and regulations.
   - Audit trails help in tracking every action taken during the tender process.
   

2. Cost & Time Efficiency

   - Eliminates the need for physical paperwork, reducing administrative costs.
   - Faster processing of tenders compared to traditional methods.
   - Saves costs on printing, postage, and courier services.
   

3. Accessibility & Wider Reach

   - Suppliers from different locations can participate without traveling.
   - Buyers get a larger pool of bidders, leading to better competition and pricing.
   - 24/7 access allows bidders to submit proposals at their convenience.
   

4. Security & Confidentiality

   - Data encryption ensures bids remain confidential until the opening date.
   - Secure login and authentication prevent unauthorized access.
   - Reduces the risk of bid tampering or document loss.
   

5. Better Decision-Making

   - Automated evaluation tools help in assessing bids based on predefined criteria.
   - Historical data and analytics improve procurement strategies.
   - Buyers can compare bids more effectively and make informed decisions.
   

6. Compliance & Standardization

   - Ensures adherence to government procurement policies and international standards.
   - Reduces human errors with automated checks and validations.
   - Standardized templates make the process easier for both buyers and bidders.