Section 31A(2)(b) in Tamil Nadu Transparency In Tenders Rules, 2000
(b)The rates quoted by the eligible Lowest Tenderer in the open tender shall be compared with the prevailing market rate and the rates of the previous period and if the Tender Accepting Authority is of the view that the quoted rates are too high, the Authority may negotiate with the Lowest Tenderer to ascertain whether further reduction in rates is possible;