Open Tender for WELDING ELECTRODE TO SIZE 5 MM DIA X 450 MM LONG. BRANDS; E-717 OF M/S ADVANI OERLIK ON/ DIFFUSALLO in NAGPUR, MAHARASHTRA

Q1: How to participate in the Department of Defence Production welding electrode tender in Nagpur?
To participate, bidders must register on the GeM platform, upload all required documents like manufacturer certificates, experience proofs, and local content certificates if claiming preference. The process includes technical evaluation, submission of bid security—₹121,325—and adherence to specified delivery timelines. Bidders should ensure their product specifications match the bid criteria, and verify that their local content certificates are valid if claiming preferences. For professional GeM profile registration support, visit https://tenderai.in/services/gem-profile-registration. Also, review the detailed bid document for specific criteria such as bid validity, evaluation method, and split options among suppliers.

Q2: What are the eligibility criteria for supplying welding electrodes to the Indian defence sector?
Eligible bidders must be the original manufacturers or OEMs who produce the specified E-717 branded electrodes, with valid Udyam Registration if claiming MSE benefits. They must upload the relevant certificates demonstrating local content for Class 1 or Class 2 supplier status. Traders without manufacturing capability are generally ineligible unless authorized as OEMs. Past supply experience related to similar welding products benefits the bid but is not mandatory for initial participation. Additionally, bidders must meet Indian standards, and conform to local content percentage requirements (minimum 50% for Class 1 and 20% for Class 2). Ensure all documentation is genuine, and applications are submitted within schedule.

Q3: How does the reverse auction process work for this tender?
After initial technical and financial evaluation, qualified bidders will participate in a reverse auction, where the lowest bid wins. The highest quoting bidder (H-1) is excluded from the reverse auction unless there are only two or three qualified bidders, or specific eligibility conditions are met. The process involves bidding multiple times within the specified timeline, with the buyer setting the rules such as bid extension if certain minimum bid counts are met, and maximum number of bidders allowed (up to 2). For MSE or local content claimants, bidding strategies should include competitive yet compliant offers to maximize chances of success. The reverse auction aims to achieve optimal procurement pricing for the government.

Q4: What documents are necessary for an Indian manufacturer to claim MSE benefits in this tender?
The manufacturer must upload a valid Udyam Registration certificate and furnish a self-certified declaration of local content percentage, certified by a statutory auditor if the bid value exceeds Rs.10 crore. The certificate should detail the location and percentage of local value addition. Only Micro and Small Enterprises registered as Class I or Class II local suppliers under MII order are eligible for purchase preferences. Resellers or traders are barred unless authorized OEMs. Additionally, the manufacturer should meet the specified local content percentages (minimum 50% for Class I). Verified online through the GeM portal, the seller gains eligibility for purchase benefits.

Q5: How can MSMEs benefit from this defence procurement tender?
MSMEs with valid Udyam registration are eligible for purchase preferences, which include reserved quantities, price benefits, and simplified documentation procedures. They can participate directly as OEMs or authorized suppliers to avail these benefits. In cases where their bid is within 15% of the lowest bid (L-1), MSMEs can be given a chance to match L-1 price and secure a share of the order—up to 25% of the total quantity. The procurement process also emphasizes local content compliance, favoring Class I and Class II local suppliers. For guidance on MSME registration, visit https://tenderai.in/services/gem-profile-registration. Ensure your documentation is complete for evaluation.

Q6: What are the key technical specifications for the welding electrodes required in this tender?
The electrodes must conform to Indian standards, specifically covering arc welding electrodes of rutile type suitable for high-quality welds. They should be of size 5 mm diameter and length 450 mm, branded as E-717 of M/S Advani Oerlikon / Diffusalloy or equivalent conforming to the specified technical specs. The product must meet performance standards for tensile strength, welding efficiency, and safety. Bidders should download the detailed buyer specification document from the GeM portal and ensure their products are compliant. Ensuring certification from recognized laboratories or conformity to BIS standards will facilitate smoother evaluation.

Q7: How does local content requirement influence participation in this tender?
Local content is a vital eligibility criterion; bidders must provide valid certificates certifying minimum 50% (Class 1) or 20% (Class 2) local content for products to qualify as local suppliers. The certificates should specify the percentage of local value addition and the location where the value addition occurs. Only Class I and Class II local suppliers as per the Make-in-India order are eligible for purchase preferences. Non-local suppliers or traders without OEM certification are not eligible. Bidders who meet local content criteria and upload the necessary documentation can avail benefits such as price preference and reserved quantities.

Q8: What is the process to upload documents and submit bid for this welding electrode tender?
Bidders should first register and login on the GeM portal, ensure their company details, certifications, and local content certificates are uploaded and validated. The bid involves uploading technical and financial documents, EMD proof (₹121,325), and relevant certifications. It is recommended to review the bid document carefully for specific format and submission instructions. Special considerations may include bid splitting and participation in reverse auctions, if applicable. The bid submission window is from July 16, 2025, to July 30, 2025. For expert assistance in document preparation and portal registration, visit https://tenderai.in/services/gem-profile-registration.

Q9: Who can be excluded from participating in this tender and under what conditions?
Resellers and traders without OEM certification are generally excluded from eligibility unless they possess valid OEM authorization certificates and verify local content as per government standards. Bidders failing to upload required documents such as manufacturer certification, EMD proof, local content certificates, or not meeting local content thresholds will be disqualified. Additionally, entities from regions with restrictions on defense procurement or those lacking necessary licenses are barred from participating. The tender emphasizes compliance with Indian standards and security protocols, ensuring only qualified Indian OEMs or authorized partners participate.

Q10: How to ensure compliance with Indian standards and local content in your bid?
Bidders must obtain relevant certifications from BIS or Indian Standards Authority, and provide certificates indicating the percentage of local content per the MII order. These certificates are essential for claiming local supplier status and eligible purchase preferences. Additionally, ensure the product conforms to technical specifications, and all documents are uploaded correctly on GeM portal. Regularly review government guidelines and orders, such as the Make-in-India order and MSME policies, to align your bid submissions accordingly. For professional support in compliance verification, visit https://tenderai.in/services/gem-profile-registration.