GeM Contract Number

A GeM Contract Number is the system-generated unique reference code assigned when a government buyer on GeM awards a bid or places a direct purchase order, creating a binding contract document that governs delivery timelines, payment terms, and the obligations of both buyer and seller.

What is a GeM Contract Number?

When a buyer on GeM awards a bid or places a direct catalogue purchase, the platform generates a GeM Contract in the format: GEMC-XXXXXXXXXX. This contract number is the authoritative reference for the entire transaction lifecycle:

• Delivery scheduling: The contract specifies quantity, delivery location, and delivery timeline. The seller's obligation begins from the contract generation date
• Invoice submission: The seller submits invoices quoting the GeM Contract Number through the GeM Self-Invoicing mechanism
• Delivery verification: The buyer's Verifying Authority accepts or rejects delivery against the contract specifications
• Payment: The buyer's Finance Office processes payment through PFMS (Public Financial Management System) linked to the GeM Contract Number. Payment terms under GeM contracts are typically 10 days from delivery acceptance
• Dispute resolution: Any dispute between buyer and seller references the GeM Contract Number

GeM contracts are legally binding and equivalent to purchase orders issued under GFR 2017. For high-value contracts, the buyer may require a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) linked to the contract number before delivery begins.

The GeM contract also tracks returns, refusals, replacements, and warranty claims, all linked to the original contract number for lifecycle management.

Why GeM Contract Numbers matter for Indian government suppliers

The GeM Contract Number is your key to managing the post-award phase. Sellers should monitor their GeM seller dashboard for new contracts, begin delivery planning immediately on contract generation, and submit invoices promptly after delivery acceptance. Payment delays on GeM are often caused by incomplete invoice submissions or missing delivery acceptance by the Verifying Authority, tracking contract status on the GeM dashboard allows sellers to follow up proactively and maintain their payment cycle.

Example

A stationery supplier wins a GeM bid and receives Contract Number GEMC-3114729055. The contract specifies 2,000 reams of A4 paper to be delivered to a government office in Chennai within 10 working days. The seller delivers within 7 days, the Verifying Authority accepts delivery on the GeM portal, and the seller raises a GeM Self-Invoice quoting the contract number. The government finance officer processes payment through PFMS within 10 days, and INR 1.84 lakh is credited to the seller's registered bank account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a GeM contract valid?

Annual service contracts are typically valid for 12 months from the contract date. One-time product supply contracts expire upon delivery and acceptance. Rate contract arrangements linked to a GeM Contract may be valid for up to two years.

Can a GeM contract be amended after generation?

Minor amendments (delivery timeline extension, minor quantity adjustment) can be made by mutual agreement through the GeM portal. Significant changes (major quantity revisions, price changes) require a new bid or amended contract and cannot be applied retrospectively without GeM system support.

What happens if a seller fails to deliver within the contract period?

Late delivery attracts liquidated damages (LD) as specified in the contract, typically 0.5% per week of the delayed supply value, up to a maximum of 5% to 10%. Persistent non-delivery can lead to contract cancellation, EMD forfeiture, and seller blacklisting on GeM.

Can a seller raise an invoice before delivery acceptance?

No. The invoice can only be raised after the Verifying Authority confirms delivery acceptance on the GeM portal. Early invoice submission is not possible in the GeM self-invoicing flow, which links invoice generation to the delivery acceptance event.