Frequently Asked Questions


1.   Q: What if my vendor(s) refuses to take part in eBidding?
      A: A vendor who refuses to take part in eBidding is usually disqualified by the client.

2.   Q: Won’t the reduction in price affect the quality of the product/service delivered?
      A: eBidding is a price negotiation tool. The issue of quality being affected would be no different than if a manual negotiation were to           take place.

3.   Q: How long will the entire process take?
      A: On the average 2 weeks; this includes vendor sourcing, RFQ/tender process (1 week), vendor training, eBid and eBid report to           the client.
          (Note: The above process does not include the formulation of the BQ or tender preparation.)

4.   Q: What is the average savings generated from eBidding?
      A: The average savings varies depending on the industry the product or services of which is being quoted for. Across the board           average savings is 18%.

5.   Q: Why would my vendor want to take part in eBidding?
      A: To provide the opportunity for all the vendors to participate fairly in a transparent manner. For unsuccessful vendors, they will be           provided with an equal opportunity to win the bid on a level playing field.

6.   Q: We’re very happy with our current vendors; why should we change them?
      A: In enhancing your organization’s reputation for its transparency and fair & equitable procurement process, all pre-qualified          vendors should be provided an equal opportunity to bid for a project (as opposed to a close evaluation). You would never be          certain of fair market value attained from your current vendor unless they are being put in a competitive environment (eBidding)          where other vendorrs are able to bid in a transparent manner.

7.   Q: Do we have to award the tender/RFQ to the lowest bidder? What if we want to award it to another vendor?
      A: It is not obligatory to award to the lowest bidder; however it is strongly encouraged. This disclaimer clause can be found in all           tender invitations and likewise, is also contained in the eBidding clauses. Since eBidding promotes transparency, the persistent           practice of not awarding to the lowest supplier would cause the vendors to question the integrity of the Buyer.

8.   Q: Can overseas vendors participate in the eBid?
      A: Yes, we have experience in conducting eBids where the vendors are located overseas.

9.   Q: Our stationary orders are spread over the year. Can we still go for eBidding?
      A: Stationery prices are locked in for a year (with exception to paper products where an option for price adjustments can be made           due to exceptional circumstances) for estimated quantities of each product being tendered. Quantities can be estimated from the           historical purchases of the Buyer. It is common practice for stationery tenders where quantities are based on estimates only           whilst allowing for a variance of 5 – 10%.

10. Q: What are the security features on the eBidding platform?
      A: The server is protected by 2 firewalls which block any unauthorized access to the system. The server is located on 3 separate            platforms; the first is for the application the remaining two are for the database. The database is saved on two servers so one            acts as a back up in the event the other fails. The servers run on Sun Microsystems.