RICS steps in to clarify e-tendering process

The guide, launched today, deals with the practical and legal implications of e-tendering and sets out how to make sure tenderers are not disadvantaged by the process.

An RICS spokesperson said: “We identified a skills gap in e-tendering and this aims to plug that gap in a user-friendly way.”

One of the main issues dealt with in the document is setting up a secure system for exchanging information, such as emailing sealed bids. It also sets out how to ensure that electronic contracts are enforceable in court and how reverse auction bidding works.

Gillian Birkby, a partner at Fladgate Fielder and a contributor to parts of the guide, said it was all about good practice. She said: “Because e-tendering is still a fairly new process, people can get into a mess; there are so many mistakes that can be made.”

She said although the document was primarily aimed at QSs, contractors could also find it useful.

She said: “If something goes wrong in the process and that affects a contractor’s tender, they will want to have the ammunition to complain.”

David Cowan, product development manager at the RICS, said one of the aims of the guide was to encourage the use of e-tendering. He said: “We would like to make it more mainstream.”