An updated version the 'Simap.ch' platform, the information system for public procurement in Switzerland, was released on 28 July 2010.

The main changes consist of new or revised technical functionalities for the use of the representatives of the public contracting authorities and the bidders. They include, among other novelties:

• Establishment of a preliminary announcement form - in case bidders correspond to the search criteria, they will receive the preliminary announcements;
• The documents of the call for tenders can still be uploaded on the site after the publication of the call;
• In case the documents of the call are modified after the publication, the bidders registered for this call receive an email notification;
• Modification of the bidder registration and subscription processes.

'Simap.ch' is an electronic platform shared by the Swiss federal government, cantons and communes for public procurement purposes. It offers a simple procedure for public contracting authorities to post their call for tenders and, if need be, any relevant tender documents. Bidders and interested companies are thus given an overview of all existing calls for tender across Switzerland and they can download the documents relating to these calls. In addition, they can ask any questions they may have directly on a question/answer forum on the portal.

The platform provides the following services:

• Modern technology and customer-friendly user interface;
• The entire process from the issuing of an invitation to tender to the announcement of contract awarding is seamless, with no media discontinuity;
• Advanced search functions for publications;
• Online subscription service for bidders;
• Single platform for the Confederation and the cantons.

It is worth noting that eTendering has not been made available on the platform yet.  

The aim of 'Simap.ch' is to facilitate business relations between the contract-awarding authorities, as well as between the bidders and the public sector and provide related services such as information, consultancy and training under the supervision of the association simap.ch. 

 

Further information: 

• Original news article - Simap.ch