GeM & procurement terms, explained
A plain-English reference for the acronyms you meet on a GeM bid.
EMD
Earnest Money Deposit — a refundable bid security. MSEs and DPIIT-recognised startups are often exempt.
PBG
Performance Bank Guarantee / performance security — lodged by the successful bidder to secure delivery.
BOQ
Bill of Quantities — the itemised list of goods/services with quantities the buyer wants priced.
MSE
Micro & Small Enterprise — eligible for purchase preference and EMD exemption under the MSE policy.
Udyam
The government registration that establishes MSE status, used to claim MSE benefits.
DPIIT Startup
Recognition that grants startups relaxation on prior turnover / experience and EMD exemption.
MII
Make in India — purchase preference to Class-I / Class-II local suppliers based on local content.
GFR
General Financial Rules — the finance rules (e.g. Rule 170 bid security, Rule 173 startup relaxation).
ATC
Additional Terms & Conditions — buyer-specific clauses that sit on top of the standard bid.
L1
The lowest-priced qualifying bidder; most GeM bids are evaluated least-cost (L1).
Corrigendum
An official amendment to a published bid — deadline, specification or terms may change.
Consignee
The office/officer who receives delivery. A bid can have several consignees with split quantities.
Reverse Auction (RA)
A live downward-bidding round after technical qualification to reach the final price.
Two-packet bid
Technical and financial bids are evaluated separately; financials open only for technically qualified bidders.
CRAC
Consignee Receipt and Acceptance Certificate — mandatory certificate generated on GeM within 10 days of delivery, triggering payment release.
PRC
Provisional Receipt Certificate — issued on physical receipt of goods by the consignee before inspection.
Caution Money
Refundable statutory deposit on GeM (₹5,000 for < ₹1 Cr; ₹10,000 for ₹1–10 Cr; ₹25,000 for > ₹10 Cr) to prevent frivolous bids.
OEM Panel
Brand owner control panel on GeM for validating brand identity, catalogue listings, and issuing reseller authorisations.
MAF
Manufacturer Authorisation Form — tender-specific authorization issued by an OEM to an authorized reseller/bidder.
PAC
Proprietary Article Certificate — procurement justification under GFR Rule 166 for single-OEM direct purchase.
IREPS
Indian Railways E-Procurement System — the national digital procurement portal for Indian Railways supplies, works, and services.
TReDS
Trade Receivables Discounting System — institutional platform for MSMEs to auction and discount approved government invoices.
LD
Liquidated Damages — pre-agreed financial deduction (usually 0.5% per week up to 10%) levied on delayed government deliveries.
Incident Management
GeM's formal dispute mechanism where buyers or GeM issue notices for delivery default, catalogue non-compliance, or policy breaches.
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