Common Reasons Bids Get Disqualified

Why this matters

A surprising number of bids are disqualified before the evaluator even looks at price. Most of these mistakes are easy to avoid with a proper checklist and a second pair of eyes.

The top reasons bids get disqualified

1. Missing mandatory returnables A required form (SBD, pricing schedule, declaration) was left out or not signed. This is the single most common reason.

2. Late submission Submitted even 1 minute after the closing time. No exceptions. Plan to submit early.

3. Invalid tax compliance Tax Compliance Status PIN not valid, expired, or missing at the time of submission.

4. No B-BBEE evidence B-BBEE certificate or affidavit not attached where required, or the affidavit format does not match the prescribed SARS / dti template.

5. CSD registration issues Supplier not registered on the Central Supplier Database, or CSD details do not match the bid (e.g. different company name or director).

6. Non-compliance with compulsory briefing Bidder did not attend a compulsory briefing session, or did not sign the attendance register.

7. Pricing not in the prescribed schedule Pricing entered on a separate spreadsheet, or parts of the pricing schedule left blank.

8. Unsigned or incorrectly signed documents Forms signed by someone not authorised, or signatures missing on key declarations.

9. Incorrect VAT treatment Inconsistent VAT inclusive/exclusive usage or wrong VAT rate applied.

10. Document submitted in the wrong format or place Submitted by email when a sealed envelope was required, uploaded to the wrong portal, or missing required copies.

How to avoid these

• Use a proper Submission Checklist (see the BidBetter Tender Submission Checklist).
• Get a second person to review the entire submission.
• Keep a compliance pack ready so your base documents are always current.
• Plan to submit early — never leave it to the last hour.