How long do tenders need to be open?
Undertaking appropriate procurement planning prior to a tender being released to the public will give an indication as to the market maturity and the complexity of a tender. This will help you to determine the appropriate tender call period which will enable the optimal level and quality of responses from the market. In most instances, a tender will remain open for a month to enable responses, although there are times where a greater (or lesser) period may be appropriate. In all cases, the tender close date must be advised in the tender advertisement/notification and tender documentation. There are specific requirements under the Government Procurement Chapter of the Australia United States Free Trade Agreement (Chapter 15) and the Australia Chile Free Trade Agreement which relate to the minimum period a tender must remain open. Tender call periods may be reduced by issuing a “notice of Intended Procurement” – refer article 15.4.
