Section 22 in Tamil Nadu Panchayats (Preparation of Plans and Estimates for Works and Mode and Conditions of Contracts) Rules, 1998
22. Acceptance of tender.
(1)The lowest tender shall be accepted. Where it is considered undesirable to accept the lowest tender, the reasons shall be clearly recorded in writing by the authority competent to accept the tender and the case shall be disposed of in the manner specified in rules 23 and 24.(2)Where the capacity for the work and the integrity of a tenderer are not known, his tender need not necessarily be rejected. Such additional security not exceeding ten per cent of the contract amount as the authority competent to accept the tender considers necessary shall, however, be taken from the tenderer if the circumstances warrant such a course.(3)Where the lowest tender is rejected, the next lowest tender shall be considered. If it is considered undesirable to accept that tender also, the next highest tender shall be considered. In every case of rejection of a tender under this sub-rule, the reasons therefor shall be recorded in writing by the authority competent to accept tenders.(4)In no case shall a tender be accepted at rates other than those specified in the tenders. In cases, where the authority competent to accept the tender considers the rate for certain items are pitched too high in the lowest tender, he may negotiate with the above tenderer with the approval of the next superior authority and secure reasonable rates for those items without higher sanction.(5)There shall be no avoidable delay in the disposal of tenders after they are opened. In cases, where the executive authority or commissioner or secretary, as the case may be, is competent to dispose of tenders without obtaining concurrence of others, the executive authority or commissioner or secretary, as the case may be, shall do so ordinarily within a week of the date on which they are opened and in any case within a period not exceeding one month. In other cases, no tenders shall remain undisposed of for a period exceeding two months from the date on which they are opened.
