1. Before you start

• Confirm your turnover, experience, and certifications actually meet the stated qualification criteria — not just roughly.
• Check whether OEM authorization is required, and whether you can get it in time.
• Check if you qualify for an MSE, Udyam, or Startup exemption on turnover/experience/EMD.

2. Documents to have ready

• GST registration certificate
• PAN, and CIN if applicable
• Bank details / cancelled cheque
• Past performance and completion certificates
• Authorized signatory documents or Power of Attorney
• EMD or EMD-exemption certificate

3. Reading the tender

• Read the full document, not just the summary — disqualifying clauses are routinely buried past page 20.
• Check technical specifications line by line against what you can actually supply.
• Note the exact bid submission deadline and any pre-bid meeting date.
• Check for mandatory clauses — Make in India, local content, MSE purchase preference.

4. Corrigenda and amendments

• Check for any corrigenda published after the original tender.
• Note the portal's auto-extension rule if the minimum number of bids hasn't been received.
• Re-verify the submission deadline hasn't shifted since you first read it.

5. Before you submit

• Cross-check every qualification criterion against the documents you're actually attaching.
• Confirm your price bid arithmetic — GST-inclusive vs. exclusive, freight, installation.
• Verify every required undertaking or declaration is signed and uploaded.
• Do a final pass with nothing marked "TBD" or "to confirm."

6. After submission

• Save proof of submission — screenshot or acknowledgement receipt.
• File the outcome for reference on the next similar tender, win or lose.