Deadlines in the procedure

The deadline for bids

The contracting authority sets the deadline, taking account of the complexity of the contract, the probable number of subcontracts and the mode of transmission (PPA Art. 46 para. 1).

Within the scope of international treaties, the deadline in the open procedure is at least 40 days from publication. In the selective procedure, at least 25 days apply to the request to participate and at least 40 days from the invitation to the bid (PPA Art. 46 para. 2).

Outside the scope of international treaties, the deadline is generally at least 20 days, and not less than 5 days for largely standardised services (PPA Art. 46 para. 4).

Shortened deadlines and prior notices

Within the scope of international treaties, the deadline may be shortened: to no less than 10 days in proven urgency, and by 5 days each for electronic publication, electronic documents and electronic submission (PPA Art. 47 paras. 1 and 2).

If the contracting authority published a prior information notice 40 days to 12 months earlier, it may shorten the deadline to no less than 10 days (PPA Art. 47 para. 3). Prior notices are therefore an early signal; TEXFY shows them separately as early signals.

Extensions and corrections

An extension of a deadline must be notified or published to all bidders in good time (PPA Art. 46 para. 3). Before submitting, check whether the tender has been corrected; TEXFY marks corrected tenders.

Questions on the tender

Many tenders state a deadline for questions. How to ask them is stated in the tender; on simap.ch often through the question forum, which requires registration as a bidder.

Submitting on time

Bids must be submitted in writing, in full and on time as specified in the tender (PPA Art. 34 para. 1); electronically only if the tender provides for it (PPA Art. 34 para. 2). What counts for the deadline, for example receipt by the contracting authority, is stated in the documents.

The appeal period

Certain decisions, for example the tender, the award, the discontinuation or the exclusion (PPA Art. 53 para. 1), can be appealed in writing with reasons within 20 days of notification (PPA Art. 56 para. 1). There is no suspension of time limits, for example over holidays (PPA Art. 56 para. 2).

For the Confederation, an appeal to the Federal Administrative Court is admissible for supplies and services from the threshold of the invitation procedure, for construction work from that of the open procedure (PPA Art. 52 para. 1). For cantons and municipalities, the IAPP and cantonal law apply.

What this means for you

• Note the deadline for questions and the bid deadline straight away. TEXFY shows both and reminds you of the deadlines of your bids.
• Count back from posting or uploading and plan some time to spare.
• Read the deadlines again after every correction.