The package has eight sections, and two different kinds of rules
BPP's Standard Bidding Document is built from eight sections, and they fall into two categories that matter for how you read them: some are fixed, standard clauses that apply to every tender using that document, and some are filled in specifically for the tender in front of you. Knowing which is which tells you where to look for the details that actually change bid to bid.
Section 1, Instructions to Tenderers (ITT).
The standard instructions on how to prepare, submit, and have your tender evaluated. This section is based directly on the Procurement Law and its Regulations, and cannot be modified by the procuring entity under any circumstances. It's the same across every tender using this document.
Section 2, Special Instructions to Tenderers (SIT).
This is where the procuring entity fills in what's specific to this tender: the procuring entity's name, the submission deadline, the tender security amount, tender validity period, whether alternative tenders are allowed, whether the contract is fixed-price or subject to price adjustment, the delivery schedule, and the specific evaluation criteria for this procurement. If you only read one section to find out what's different about this particular tender, this is it, though it can only add specifics, not override the Law or Regulations underneath it.
Section 3, General Conditions of Contract (GCC).
The standard contract terms, also based on the Procurement Law and Regulations. Like the ITT, the procuring entity cannot modify these directly, only through the Special Conditions that follow.
Section 4, Special Conditions of Contract (SCC).
Where the procuring entity adapts the GCC to this specific contract: the start date, description of the goods, insurance requirements, percentage of advance payment, payment schedule, price adjustment formula, bonus and penalty provisions, percentage of retention, warranty terms, liquidated damages, and inspection and arbitration arrangements.
Section 5, Standard Tender and Contract Forms.
The numbered forms you'll actually fill out, covered in detail below.
Section 6, Schedule of Requirements.
The list of goods and delivery schedule, or the list of related services and completion schedule, prepared by the procuring entity for this specific procurement.
Section 7, Technical Specifications.
What you're actually being asked to supply, described in enough detail that you can respond realistically and competitively. This is the section your technical response has to answer item by item.
Section 8, Particular Specifications and Drawings.
Further detail on special requirements that modify or clarify the general technical specifications, plus any supporting drawings.
The numbered forms, and when each one applies
Section 5 contains a specific, numbered set of forms. Some you complete as part of your bid, and some only come into play after you've won:
Form G-1, Tender Submission Sheet.
Your formal submission cover sheet.
Form G-2, Price Schedule.
Where your priced bid actually goes.
Form G-3, Specifications Submission Sheet.
Where you respond to the technical specifications in Section 7.
Form G-4, Tenderer Information Sheet.
Your company's identifying and qualification information.
Form G-5, Manufacturer's Authorization Letter.
Only applicable if you're bidding as a supplier or agent rather than the actual manufacturer of the goods, this authorizes you to offer them.
Form G-6, Tender Security.
The bid security format itself, referenced throughout our other guides.
Form G-7, Notification of Award.
This one isn't something you fill out, it's issued to you if you win.
Form G-8, Contract Agreement.
The actual contract, incorporating any corrections or modifications made during evaluation.
Form G-9, Performance Security.
Completed only by the successful tenderer after award, and required as a condition of signing the contract.
Form G-10, Advance Payment Security.
Also completed only after award, and only where the contract includes an advance payment.
How to actually use this structure
When a new tender document lands, the efficient path through it is: read Section 2 (SIT) first for what's specific to this bid, the deadline, the tender security amount, and the evaluation criteria that will actually be applied. Then go to Section 7 (Technical Specifications) to build the item-by-item compliance response covered in our guide on writing a winning proposal. Sections 1 and 3, the ITT and GCC, are worth knowing exist but rarely worth re-reading in full each time, since they're standard across tenders using this document. Section 5's forms tell you exactly what you're filling in and in what format, rather than improvising your own layout.
How CoreTender helps
CoreTender parses a tender document into this structure automatically, so you can go straight to the Special Instructions and Technical Specifications that actually differ for this bid, rather than re-reading boilerplate every time a new tender comes in.
Related guides
Read the pillar guide, How Government Tenders Work in Nigeria, for how these documents fit into the broader tender lifecycle, and How to Write a Winning Government Tender Proposal for how the Technical Specifications section drives what actually gets evaluated.
For definitions of any term used here, see our Procurement Glossary for Nigeria.
References
- Federal Republic of Nigeria: Standard Bidding Document for Procurement of Goods
- Public Procurement Act 2007, No. 14, Federal Republic of Nigeria
- Bureau of Public Procurement: Contractor Registration System
This guide describes the structure of a published Federal Government of Nigeria Standard Bidding Document for procurement of goods. Document structure and form numbering can vary for works and services procurement, and by procuring entity. It is not legal advice. Refer to the specific tender document you're responding to for the structure and forms that actually apply to that procurement.