How to apply for a manpower tender on GeM
A step-by-step walkthrough of bidding on manpower and housekeeping tenders on the Government e-Marketplace, from registration to EMD to submission.
Key takeaways
- Register as a services seller on GeM, not a product seller.
- Most rejections happen on eligibility, not price: read the ATC first.
- Deposit EMD before the deadline and keep the reference for your refund.
To apply for a manpower tender on GeM you need a registered seller account, the right service category in your catalogue, the tender's EMD ready, and your compliance documents uploaded. This guide walks through the exact sequence bidders follow, and the mistakes that get bids rejected.
Register as a seller on GeM
Create a seller account at gem.gov.in using your PAN, GST and an Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Manpower agencies register under the services category, not products, this is the first thing agencies get wrong.
Add the manpower service category
In your dashboard, list the exact service you supply, whether housekeeping, security, or contract staffing. You only appear as an eligible bidder for tenders that match a category in your catalogue.
Find the live bid and read the ATC
Search bids by category and state, note the bid number and closing date, then read the Additional Terms and Conditions in full. Eligibility clauses, minimum turnover, years of experience, and mandatory licences, are where most bids are disqualified before price is even opened.
Deposit the EMD
Pay the earnest money deposit online through GeM before the deadline. Keep the transaction reference. EMD is refunded to unsuccessful bidders, and MSME or startup registration can exempt you from it entirely.
Submit your technical and financial bids
Upload documents for the technical bid and enter your price in the financial bid. Submit well before the closing time, portals slow down in the final hour and a late upload cannot be undone.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to bid on a GeM manpower tender?+
There is no charge to submit a bid on GeM, but you must deposit the tender's EMD, which is refunded to unsuccessful bidders. Some tenders also require a performance security payable only if you win.
What documents are mandatory?+
Typically GST registration, PAN, PF and ESIC registration, a labour licence, past work orders and audited financials. The exact list is in the tender's ATC.
How long does GeM seller registration take?+
Verification usually completes within a few working days once your PAN, GST and bank details are validated.
manpowertenders Editorial Desk
Research on tenders, staffing and labour compliance. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice; confirm specifics against the official rules before acting.
Keep reading
What is EMD in a tender? Earnest money deposit explained
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