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What Is Alternative Bid?
A bid, also called a side bid, that departs from what is requested in the procurement documents.
When can you submit an alternative bid?
Only when the procurement documents say alternatives are permitted and set the minimum requirements an alternative must meet. Otherwise the alternative is rejected.
Do you also have to submit a main bid?
Usually yes. Most buyers require a compliant main bid alongside any alternative, so that there is always a bid that can be evaluated on the standard terms.
How is an alternative bid evaluated?
On the same award criteria as all other bids. The buyer cannot favour or penalise it for being an alternative, but it must meet the stated minimum requirements.
