Bidding for government projects in Singapore offers businesses a steady source of revenue, credibility, and long-term growth potential. The Government of Singapore is one of the largest buyers of goods and services in the country, issuing thousands of tender opportunities annually through the Government Electronic Business (GeBIZ) portal. These tenders span across industries — from IT solutions and construction to marketing and logistics.
If you’re a business looking to tap into Singapore tenders, it’s crucial to understand the bidding process, avoid common mistakes that lead to disqualification, and be aware of how to receive tender notifications early so you can prepare and respond in time.
Why Timing Matters in Government Tenders
Singapore Government tenders are highly time-sensitive. Most tenders on GeBIZ have a fixed closing date and time, and late submissions — even by a minute — are automatically disqualified. Hence, businesses must not only prepare strong proposals but also ensure timely submission. The earlier you start preparing, the higher your chances of submitting a complete and competitive bid.
That’s why knowing when tenders are published is critical. Relying on occasional checks of the GeBIZ portal is inefficient. To gain an advantage, companies should subscribe to tender alert services that notify them the moment relevant opportunities are published.
How to Receive Government Tender Alerts
1. Receive Alerts via RSS Feeds
Singapore tender alerts directly from the GeBIZ portal and GoBusiness’s GeBIZ Alert have been discontinued, but GeBIZ Trading Partners can subscribe to their Really Simple Syndication (RSS) Feeds by:
- Downloading a RSS reader program and Subscribing to new RSS feeds or manage existing feeds via the reader program.
- Use an Internet browser that supports RSS to bookmark the RSS link and browse the RSS feeds.
You can register to be a GeBIZ Trading Partner (GTP) Account here: https://www.gebiz.gov.sg
2. Use TenderBoard’s Supplier Portal
TenderBoard is a platform that aggregates government and private sector tenders, helping suppliers discover opportunities beyond what is found on GeBIZ alone.
Through the TenderBoard Supplier Portal, businesses can:
- Receive Tender Alerts: Tailored notifications based on keywords, product categories, and agencies.
- Track Opportunities: Organise and manage active tenders and those you’re interested in.
- Compare Past Awards: Analyse winning bids from past tenders to benchmark pricing and strategy.
- Submit Questions and Proposals: Some tenders hosted on the platform allow suppliers to interact and submit directly through TenderBoard.
- Respond to Private-Sector RFQs: TenderBoard also lists RFQs and RFPs from private companies, giving businesses access to a wider customer base.
Signing up is free, and you can select notification preferences to receive daily alerts relevant to your business offerings.
Steps to Ensure Your Proposal is Not Disqualified for Government Tenders
Submitting a competitive proposal requires more than a good price or technical capability. Here are key steps to follow to avoid disqualification:
1. Start Early
Begin working on your tender response as soon as the opportunity is published. Many tenders require supporting documents, approvals, or even site visits. Starting early ensures you meet all requirements.
2. Understand All Requirements
Read the tender specifications thoroughly. Ensure you understand all the technical, financial, and legal requirements, as well as the evaluation criteria.
3. Attend Briefings (If Applicable)
Some tenders require attendance at a compulsory briefing. Failure to attend will lead to disqualification. Always check if a briefing is part of the process.
4. Complete All Documents
Fill in every part of the proposal documents. Missing signatures, incomplete forms, or unsubmitted declarations are grounds for rejection.
5. Submit on Time
Late submissions are automatically disqualified, no exceptions. Always plan to submit a day before the deadline if possible, to avoid last-minute technical issues.
6. Verify Submission Format
Check if the tender requires physical submission, soft copy uploads, or both. Use the required formats (PDF, Word, etc.), and comply with file size limits or encryption instructions.
7. Maintain Accurate Business Details
Ensure your company registration details, contact person, and bank information are up to date on GeBIZ and/or TenderBoard to avoid delays in award notification or payment.
Conclusion
Winning a Singapore government tender can be a game-changer for your business. But success begins with staying informed and being prepared. By subscribing to tender alerts via GeBIZ or TenderBoard, you ensure you’re never late to the game. Follow submission guidelines strictly, start your proposal early, and double-check all documents before submitting. With diligence and the right tools, your business can tap into Singapore’s robust public procurement ecosystem.
