Every year, thousands of Nigerian companies lose out on lucrative government contracts not because they lack capacity, but because of avoidable mistakes in the bidding process. Procurement panels don’t give second chances. One mistake and you’re out.
Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or just entering the public sector space, understanding these common pitfalls can mean the difference between rejection and winning the bid.
The most common reason for disqualification.
Typical missing documents:
- Tax Clearance Certificate (for the last 3 years)
- PENCOM, NSITF, ITF, and BPP registration
- Evidence of similar projects executed
- Audited financial statements
- Company profile or CAC forms (C02/C07)
Tip: Use a checklist before submitting. Agencies won’t follow up for missing documents they’ll simply disqualify.
2. Late Submission
Time is non negotiable in government procurement. Submitting your bid even one minute after the deadline can get you automatically disqualified.
Solution: Submit at least 24 hours early. Anticipate traffic, printing issues, or last-minute packaging errors.
3. Poor Packaging and Labeling
Bids must be submitted in specific formats: sealed envelopes, clearly labeled technical and financial proposals, correct tender titles, and addressed to the right agency.
Common errors:
- Mixing technical and financial proposals in one envelope
- Not signing the bid submission register
- Wrong envelope size or labeling
Remember: First impressions matter even in public procurement.
4. Failure to Meet Technical Requirements
Even if your documents are complete, failure to meet the technical requirements in the bid document will get you dropped.
Examples:
- No proof of similar projects
- Inadequate equipment or personnel
- Unclear work methodology or timeline
- No CVs or professional licenses for key staff
Advice: Read and respond to every evaluation criterion in detail.
5. Unrealistic Financial Bids
Many bidders think quoting the lowest price is the fastest way to win. But an unrealistically low bid can raise red flags either about your quality or your understanding of the project.
What evaluators see:
- Low price = high risk of poor delivery or abandonment
- High price = lack of competitiveness or value
Find the sweet spot: reasonable, competitive, and clearly justified.
6. Plagiarized or Generic Proposals
Using a one size fits all proposal template or copying past submissions without customization can cost you the contract.
- Agencies want proposals tailored to their needs.
- Recycled work plans, copied project descriptions, or vague timelines signal lack of preparedness.
Solution: Customize your proposal for each bid mention the agency, project environment, and unique approach.
7. Non Responsive Bid Format
Procurement officers often disqualify bids that don’t follow the required structure.
- Some requests demand two envelope submissions (technical and financial).
- Others specify file formats (PDF vs. hard copy).
- Some require electronic submissions via portals.
Read the tender instructions line by line. Don’t assume all bids are alike.
8. False Claims or Forged Documents
Submitting fake tax certificates, project references, or professional licenses will get you more than disqualified you could be blacklisted or prosecuted.
Procurement units are now verifying documents more thoroughly with:
- FIRS
- PENCOM
- CAC
- Former clients
Be honest about your capacity. Under promise and over deliver instead.
9. Ignoring Mandatory Site Visits or Pre Bid Meetings
Some tenders include mandatory pre bid conferences or site visits to ensure bidders understand the project scope.
Failure to attend usually leads to automatic disqualification.
Pro Tip: Take notes during these meetings they often contain information not in the bid document.
10. Lack of Signature or Authorization
It sounds minor, but it’s serious:
- Unsigned bid submission letters
- No company stamp or seal
- No authorized signatory on financial documents
Fix: Assign one person to cross check all pages before submission.
Final Word: The Details Make the Difference
Government contracts are highly competitive, but they’re not impossible to win. In many cases, the difference between a disqualified bidder and a successful contractor is not capacity but compliance.
Take the time to prepare thoroughly, read instructions line by line, and always double check your documents.
