ABSTRACT
Tenders or proposals should be opened using arrangements designed to prevent malpractice. An opening panel or committee is essential, even for small purchases, if matters are to be seen to be done correctly. The tendering plan should have determined who would be part of a formal tender opening process. As a consequence tenders should be placed in a secure facility until the tender opening committee is convened, when all tenders have been received. Tenders for smaller works or goods and materials may be opened, as and when received, by a project panel. The tender opening panel can be composed solely of project representatives, for example, project manager, project procurement manager and project engineer. A Technical Tender Opening Committee and a Commercial Opening Committee; comprising corporate heads of departments attending on a rotating basis. Final post-tender negotiations then take place to eliminate queries, minor commercial or technical omissions or qualifications.
