Non-responsive bids: the mistakes that get a bid rejected

Last updated: 27 Oct 2026 · 4 min read

Many contractors give the lowest rate and still do not get the work, because the bid is rejected. Here is what causes that under the rules, and which mistakes can be corrected.

This is not legal advice. For why a particular bid was rejected, read your tender document and the evaluation report. Sources at the end.

What responsive means

A responsive bid is one that follows the conditions of the tender document. Rule 118(1) says evaluation uses only the criteria written in the document. The price of a non-responsive bid is not considered at all (rule 118(4)).

Under rule 118(2) evaluation has four steps: preliminary examination, technical check and responsiveness, price comparison, and finally post-qualification. For qualification there is a separate post: qualification.

Material deviation versus minor error

Under rule 118(6), any of these is a material deviation:

• it significantly affects the scope, quality or performance of the work;
• it is inconsistent with the document and notably limits the office's rights or your obligations;
• it is a correction that unfairly affects the competitive position of other bidders.

Under rule 118(7), minor deviations, or inadvertent errors that do not change the substance of the bid once corrected, can still count as responsive. A minor deviation is valued in money terms.

Where a bid can be rejected

1. A false or wrong tender security. Before evaluation ends, the security is verified with the issuing bank. If it is not found genuine, that bid is not evaluated (rule 33(2)).

2. Not answering a clarification. The office can ask for clarification. You must be given at least 3 working days (Schedule-2). If you do not answer, the bid may be treated as non-responsive (rule 118(11)).

3. Trying to change price or time. You cannot be asked to clarify price or delivery time, and such an explanation is not accepted (rule 118(8)). A clarification request reminds you of confidentiality, and breaking it can get the bid rejected (rule 118(10)).

4. Refusing an arithmetic correction. The committee corrects arithmetic errors and tells you (rule 118(12)). If you refuse, evaluation does not continue (rule 118(17)(খ)) and tender security can be forfeited (rule 34).

5. Failing to prove eligibility. If you cannot prove eligibility under rule 65, evaluation does not continue (rule 118(17)(ক)).

6. Failing the document's conditions. If you fail the criteria, technical specifications or financial and commercial conditions in the document, the bid is not acceptable (rule 118(17)(গ)).

7. Giving information that was not asked for. It is not considered in evaluation (rule 118(18)).

8. An abnormally low price. In domestic procurement, a very low rate under the Schedule-18 formula is treated as non-responsive (rule 118(25)). See the low bid post.

Blank items

If you leave a BoQ item unpriced, its price is taken as included in other items, and the total cannot be changed later (rule 118(14)). So think before leaving any item blank, since that cost may land on you.

Your checklist

1. Read the whole tender document, especially the evaluation criteria and mandatory conditions.
2. Read amendments at once and acknowledge them. Under Schedule-2 (rule 115(3)) you have 3 working days to acknowledge receipt.
3. Check the security form, amount and validity twice. See the security post.
4. Price every BoQ item and re-add the totals.
5. Watch email and e-GP notifications daily, so you do not miss a clarification request.
6. If you are rejected, there is a way to ask why and to complain: complaints and appeals.

For typical winning rates see the rates page. Current tenders are on all tenders. For conditions on one screen, see the Bid Brief and pricing.

Sources

• Public Procurement Rules 2025, rules 33, 115, 118 and Schedule-2 and 18 (gazette PDF, BPPA)
• BPPA: list of procurement rules

Common questions

Are responsive and qualified the same thing?

No. Responsive is whether the bid follows the document's conditions. Qualified is about the firm itself. Rule 118(2) checks both, in separate steps.

Is a bid rejected for any small mistake?

Not always. Under rule 118(7), a minor deviation or inadvertent error can be corrected and the bid still counts as responsive. A material deviation cannot.

What happens if an arithmetic error is found?

The evaluation committee corrects it and tells you (rule 118(12)). If you refuse the correction, the bid is rejected and the tender security can be forfeited (rule 34).

Rules and amounts change now and then. Check the latest rules on e-GP or the BPPA site before you bid.

Source: eprocure.gov.bd