GeM Service Catalogue

The GeM Service Catalogue is the structured listing of services available on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), enabling central government buyers to procure non-goods requirements, housekeeping, security services, IT services, transportation, printing, consultancy, and more, through the same mandatory central platform used for goods procurement.

What is the GeM Service Catalogue?

GeM expanded from goods procurement to services procurement, and the Service Catalogue covers a broad range of standard government service requirements. Service categories on GeM include:

• Facility Management Services: Housekeeping, sanitation, pest control, horticulture
• Security Services: Manpower-based security, CCTV monitoring, access control
• IT Services: Hardware maintenance, software support, data centre services, networking
• Manpower Services: Contractual staffing, skilled and semi-skilled workers
• Printing and Publishing: Stationery, books, forms, publicity materials
• Transportation: Hiring of vehicles, logistics services, last-mile delivery
• Consultancy: Technical, financial, and management advisory services

Service listings on GeM differ from product listings in that they specify service-level parameters, manpower qualifications, number of personnel, shift timing, geographic coverage, rather than physical product specifications. Service contracts on GeM are typically duration-based (monthly or annual) rather than one-time purchases.

For services not available in the GeM Service Catalogue or above certain thresholds, buyers still float GeM bids inviting service providers to respond competitively.

Why the GeM Service Catalogue matters for Indian government suppliers

Service providers, security agencies, housekeeping companies, IT service firms, staffing companies, and transport operators, can access all central government buyers nationwide through a single GeM registration. Before GeM, a security services company needed separate NIT responses for each government buyer. GeM's Service Catalogue creates a single listing that all registered government buyers can act upon. For small service providers, this dramatically reduces the transaction cost of accessing government contracts.

Example

A housekeeping services company registers on GeM and lists its services in the Facility Management category, specifying per-cleaner daily rates for different city tiers. A central government research laboratory issues a GeM bid for housekeeping services for its 50,000 sq ft campus. The company responds with its GeM listing rate, competes with three other listed providers in a reverse auction, wins at INR 1.8 lakh per month, and receives a 12-month GeM contract, all through the GeM portal without a paper NIT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Vendor Assessment requirement for service providers on GeM?

Vendor Assessment (VA) is primarily associated with goods manufacturers. Service providers typically do not require VA but must provide proof of registration (company registration, GSTIN, PAN), relevant licences (private security licence for security services, for example), and may need to upload sample past work or manpower deployment data.

Can a GeM-listed service provider serve clients in any part of India?

Yes, provided the service listing specifies nationwide coverage. Service providers can restrict their listing to specific states or districts if they cannot serve pan-India. Buyers can filter service providers by geographic coverage when searching the catalogue.

Are there minimum turnover requirements for service listing on GeM?

Requirements vary by category. Some high-value service categories (large IT services contracts, major construction-related services) may have minimum annual turnover requirements specified in the bid conditions. Standard facility management and housekeeping listings typically do not have high turnover thresholds.

How are service quality and performance monitored on GeM?

GeM contracts include Service Level Agreement (SLA) terms. Buyers rate service providers after contract completion, and these ratings are visible on the provider's GeM profile. Poor ratings can affect the seller's standing on the platform and eligibility for future bids.