GeM Custom Bid

GeM Custom Bid is the Government e-Marketplace mechanism that allows government buyers to procure goods or services not listed in the standard GeM catalogue by publishing a custom requirement, inviting registered sellers to quote, and selecting the lowest evaluated bid.

What is GeM Custom Bid?

When a buyer's requirement does not match any existing product or service in the GeM catalogue, a Custom Bid (also called a Bespoke Bid on the platform) enables them to define their own technical specifications, Bill of Quantities (BOQ), and eligibility conditions directly on GeM. Interested sellers respond within the specified bid submission window.

Custom Bids follow the standard two-cover principle: sellers submit technical compliance documents in one cover and financial quotes in another. After technical evaluation, financial bids of compliant sellers are opened and L1 is determined. The entire process remains on GeM, preserving audit trail, end-to-end digital documentation, and mandatory GeM contract numbering.

Custom Bids are used for bulk office supplies with unusual specifications, customised IT solutions, specialised consultancy services, and any item where no standard GeM catalogue listing exists. The minimum bid submission period is typically 7-14 days, and the buyer must publish the requirement on GeM in accordance with GFR Rule 149 obligations for central government entities.

Why GeM Custom Bid matters for Indian government suppliers

Custom Bid opens GeM procurement to specialised suppliers whose products do not fit standard catalogue listings. Sellers do not need to maintain a pre-listed product on GeM to participate; they simply respond to the published Custom Bid. This is particularly valuable for SMEs and MSMEs offering bespoke products, as it allows them to compete on GeM without investing in full catalogue onboarding.

Example

A PSU hospital requires 50 customised patient monitoring systems with specific connectivity protocols not covered by any standard GeM listing. The procurement officer creates a Custom Bid on GeM with detailed technical specifications, delivery timelines, and a BOQ. Four registered GeM sellers respond. After technical evaluation, two are found compliant. Their financial bids are opened: Seller X quotes Rs 3.2 lakh per unit; Seller Y quotes Rs 3.6 lakh. Seller X is declared L1 and awarded a GeM contract for Rs 1.6 crore.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should a buyer use a Custom Bid instead of a standard GeM catalogue purchase?

A buyer should use a Custom Bid when the required goods or services are not listed on GeM's catalogue, or when listed catalogue products do not match the technical specifications needed. Custom Bids are also appropriate when the buyer needs to attach detailed BOQ documents or impose specific eligibility conditions.

Can a seller participate in a GeM Custom Bid without being a registered GeM seller?

No. Only sellers registered on the Government e-Marketplace portal can submit bids for any GeM procurement, including Custom Bids. Registration requires a valid GSTIN, PAN, and bank account linked to the GeM profile.

Is GeM Custom Bid published on CPPP as well?

For high-value procurements above Rs 25 lakh, the buyer may also need to publish on CPPP in accordance with GFR Rule 146. However, the bid itself is conducted entirely on GeM. The CPPP publication serves as the public notice; actual bid submission happens on GeM.

What is the difference between a GeM Custom Bid and a GeM Bid/Reverse Auction?

A GeM Custom Bid is used to procure non-catalogue items with buyer-defined specifications; price discovery happens through sealed bids. A GeM Bid/Reverse Auction is used for catalogue or defined items above Rs 5 lakh and conducts real-time progressive price discovery where sellers actively reduce their quotes.