Vendor assessment on the GeM (Government e-Marketplace) portal is a crucial process to ensure sellers meet the required standards for supplying goods or services. Below is a comprehensive step-by-step checklist covering every aspect of vendor assessment.

“Learn how to efficiently complete vendor assessment on the GeM portal with this comprehensive checklist. From preparing essential documents like GST and PAN to meeting eligibility criteria and submitting compliance reports, this guide simplifies the process to ensure a smooth and successful assessment.“

Vendor assessment is the process of verifying the credentials, capabilities, and quality of a seller to ensure they can supply products or services as per the buyer’s requirements. It is mandatory for certain categories and sellers (e.g., OEMs, specific product categories).

Step 1: Understand Vendor Assessment Requirements

1. What is Vendor Assessment?

1. • Vendor Assessment is a quality verification process for sellers to ensure their products/services meet GeM’s requirements and buyer expectations.
   • Conducted by RITES to validate business credentials and capacity.

1. Who Requires Vendor Assessment?

1. • Mandatory for:
     • OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers)
     • Resellers who wish to sell in specific categories.
   • Exemptions:
     • MSMEs registered on the Udyam portal.
     • DPIIT-recognized startups.
     • Sellers with specific certifications like BIS or ISO.

1. Categories That Require Vendor Assessment

Check whether your product/service category requires vendor assessment on GeM.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Here is a checklist of mandatory documents you need to upload during the Vendor Assessment process:

Business Documents

1. GST Registration Certificate
2. PAN Card (Business or Proprietor)
3. Udyam Certificate (for MSMEs, if applicable)
4. Business Bank Account Details
5. Certificate of Incorporation (for LLP/Private Limited Companies)

Product/Service-Specific Documents

1. Manufacturer Authorization Certificate (for resellers).
2. BIS/ISO Certifications (if applicable).
3. Product Brochures and Technical Specifications.
4. Test Reports for specific products (if required).

Financial Documents

1. Turnover Certificate (CA Certified)
2. Audited Financial Statements (Last 3 Years)
3. Profit & Loss Statement

Compliance Documents

1. Declaration of compliance with Rule 144 (xi) of GFR.
2. Self-declaration for non-blacklisting.
3. Undertaking for quality assurance.

Step 3: Apply for Vendor Assessment

1. Login to GeM Portal: Visit gem.gov.in and log in using your seller credentials.
2. Navigate to Vendor Assessment Section: Go to Dashboard > Vendor Assessment and select Apply for Vendor Assessment.
3. Select RITES as Assessment Agency: RITES is the designated agency for vendor assessments on GeM.
4. Provide Business Details: Enter details about your business (name, type, address, turnover, etc.).
5. Upload Required Documents: Upload all necessary documents from the checklist provided in Step 2.
6. Pay Assessment Fee: The fee depends on your turnover and seller type:

1. • • OEMs:
       • Turnover ≤ ₹20 Lakh: ₹871.61 + GST
       • Turnover ₹20 Lakh–₹1 Crore: ₹1,743.22 + GST
       • Turnover > ₹1 Crore: ₹3,486.44 + GST
     • Resellers:
       • Turnover ≤ ₹20 Lakh: ₹217.90 + GST
       • Turnover ₹20 Lakh–₹1 Crore: ₹435.80 + GST
       • Turnover > ₹1 Crore: ₹871.61 + GST

Payment can be made online through the GeM portal.

Step 4: RITES Assessment Process

1. Document Verification

1. • RITES reviews the submitted documents to ensure they meet the GeM requirements. Ensure:
     • All documents are valid and legible.
     • Financial statements and turnover certificates are CA-certified.

1. Virtual Verification (Video Assessment)

1. • A virtual assessment may be conducted to verify your business setup, infrastructure, or storage facilities.

1. Site Inspection (If Required)

1. • For certain categories, RITES may conduct an on-site inspection to validate your manufacturing or warehousing capabilities.

1. Assessment Report

1. • Once the assessment is complete, RITES will generate an assessment report indicating:
     • Vendor compliance status.
     • Vendor rating (if applicable).

Step 5: Post-Assessment Actions

1. Assessment Outcome

1. • If successful, your GeM account will reflect the Vendor Assessed status.
   • Products and services linked to your profile will show higher visibility in search results.

1. Rectify Deficiencies (If Any)

1. • If the assessment highlights deficiencies, address them promptly and reapply.

1. Vendor Assessment Validity

1. • The Vendor Assessment is valid for 3 years. You can reapply before expiry if needed.

Step 6: Maintain Compliance and Records

1. Update Certifications

1. • Keep your BIS, ISO, and other certifications up-to-date.

1. Review New GeM Policies

1. • Regularly check for updates on GeM policies and guidelines.

1. Timely Renewals

1. • Ensure the Vendor Assessment is renewed before its validity expires.

Final Checklist for Vendor Assessment

Task	Status
GST Registration Certificate	✅
PAN Card	✅
Udyam Certificate (if MSME)	✅
Manufacturer Authorization (if reseller)	✅
Product Brochures and Specifications	✅
Turnover Certificate	✅
Financial Statements (3 Years)	✅
Assessment Fee Paid	✅
Document Verification Completed	✅
Virtual/Site Inspection Done (if required)	✅
Vendor Assessment Status Approved	✅

Benefits of Vendor Assessment

1. Increased Visibility: Products/services marked as Vendor Assessed rank higher in search results.
2. Access to More Tenders: Vendor Assessed sellers can participate in more bids and tenders.
3. Credibility and Trust: Builds trust with government buyers, improving your chances of receiving orders.

Conclusion

Completing the Vendor Assessment on GeM, handled by RITES, is crucial for boosting credibility, visibility, and access to government tenders. By following the checklist, ensuring compliance, and maintaining updated certifications, sellers can successfully navigate the process. Achieving a Vendor Assessed status enhances trust and positions your business for long-term success in India’s procurement ecosystem.