Apparent low bidder refers to a term used in the context of competitive bidding processes, particularly in the fields of construction, contracts, and procurement. It refers to the individual or company that has submitted the lowest bid for a particular project or contract, as determined by the procuring entity or the party conducting the tender process. The term "apparent" is used to indicate that the bidder's proposal or offer appears to be the lowest on the surface, pending further verification or evaluation.
The apparent low bidder is typically determined through a rigorous evaluation process, where bids from different potential contractors or suppliers are assessed based on various criteria, such as cost, technical specifications, past performance, experience, and compliance with the requirements stated in the tender documents. The procuring entity may have a specific set of guidelines or evaluation criteria that influence the determination of the apparent low bidder.
However, it is important to note that the term "apparent" signifies that this bidder is provisionally considered the lowest, pending a thorough examination or verification of their bid. This examination often includes a review of the bidder's qualifications, financial capacity, compliance with legal requirements, and other factors deemed necessary for contract award confirmation.
Once the verification process is complete, the final determination of the lowest bidder may be made, and if no major issues arise during the examination, the apparent low bidder may be awarded the contract or project. It is worth mentioning that the apparent low bidder's bid can still be rejected or disqualified if their offer is found to be non-compliant, unfeasible, or if they fail to meet certain mandatory criteria set by the procurement procedures or applicable laws and regulations.
