How to Use Saudi Arabia's Etimad to Bid on Governmental Contracts

Learn how to bid on Saudi government contracts via Etimad, from registration to awards.

When submitting a bid for a request for a proposal (RFP) through Saudi Arabia’s Etimad, it is essential to have a clear grasp of what's required for your company based on the target entity or governmental agency.

This resource outlines the essential steps to bid on government contracts and the key information your business needs when pursuing tender opportunities.

Step 1: Vendor Setup (One-Time Registration)

Before you can bid on any government tender, you must first set up your company's account on Etimad. This step is critical and must be completed accurately.

Create or Log In to National Portal (Nafath)

Begin by registering on the National Portal (Nafath), which serves as your gateway to all government digital platforms in Saudi Arabia.

Register Your Company in Etimad – Vendor Registration

Complete the formal vendor registration process on the Etimad platform to establish your company as an eligible bidder.

Complete Your Company Profile

Provide comprehensive documentation, including:

• Commercial Registration (CR)
• VAT registration certificate
• GOSI registration
• Zakat certificate
• Bank account details
• Authorized contact persons

Add Users and Define Roles

Assign platform access to team members and define their specific roles, such as viewer, bid preparer, approver, or authorized signer. This ensures streamlined workflow management and accountability throughout the bidding process.

Step 2: Searching for Tender Opportunities

Etimad hosts thousands of active tenders across government entities, sectors, and regions. Conducting an effective RFP search helps you identify new opportunities.

Navigate to Tenders / Competition

Access the main tender listing section through your Etimad dashboard.

• Use Basic Search

Search using simple filters such as

• Keywords related to your services or products
• Issuing government entity
• Geographic region
• Business activity or sector

• Use Advanced Search

Refine your search with detailed parameters, including:

• Specific competition number
• Procurement method
• Publication dates or submission deadlines

Save Searches and Mark Favorites

Save frequently used search criteria and bookmark relevant tenders as “Favorite” or “Follow.”

Step 3: Selecting a Tender & Purchasing Documents

Once you identify a promising opportunity, a thorough evaluation is required before committing resources to bid preparation.

Open the Tender Details Page

Review comprehensive information, including:

• Project scope and technical/financial requirements
• Submission deadlines and key dates
• Required guarantees

Conduct Internal Go/No-Go Analysis

Assess whether the opportunity aligns with your company's capabilities by evaluating:

• Technical fit with your expertise and past performance
• Financial capacity to deliver the project
• Contract Value

Purchase Tender Documents

If you decide to proceed, click "Purchase Tender Documents" and complete payment via SADAD.

Download Required Documentation

Immediately download all RFP documents, templates, bills of quantities (BoQs), technical specifications, and other necessary attachments.

Step 4: Clarifications & Bid Preparation

This phase requires meticulous attention to detail and proactive communication with the issuing entity.

Review All Requirements

Thoroughly analyze:

• Technical requirements and specifications
• Financial requirements and pricing structure
• Legal terms and contract conditions
• Eligibility criteria

Submit Clarification Requests

Use Etimad's "Clarifications / Inquiries" section to submit questions about ambiguous requirements, technical specifications, or contractual terms. Submit inquiries well before the clarification deadline.

Monitor for Addenda and Updates

Regularly check Etimad for official responses to your questions, addenda modifying tender requirements, updated files or revised documents, and changes to submission deadlines.

Prepare Your Bid Components

Develop comprehensive bid documentation, including your technical proposal, financial proposal, bank guarantee/bid bond, and supporting documents.

Step 5: Uploading & Submitting Your Bid

The submission process involves contractors providing information about timelines, pricing, and their qualifications. At this stage, bidders often gather their own quotes from subcontractors for specialized work elements, incorporating these into the bid they present to the issuing entity.

Return to the Tender Page

Navigate back to the specific tender and click "Submit Bid."

Upload Documents in Correct Sections

Prepare:

• Technical proposal
• Financial proposal
• Bank guarantee / bid bond (if required)
• Any forms to be signed, stamped, or notarized

Upload & Submit the Bid:

• Go back to the tender page and click "Submit Bid"
• Upload documents in the correct sections (Technical, Financial, Attachments)
• Verify file formats and size limits
• Ensure prices are entered correctly in the online form (BoQ)
• Obtain internal approval
• Have the authorized user perform the final electronic submission
• Confirm status shows "Submitted" before the deadline

Step 6: Evaluation & Award

After submission, your bid enters the evaluation phase. Understanding this process helps you track progress and prepare for potential outcomes.

Monitor Tender Status on Etimad

Track your bid through evaluation stages:

• Under Technical Review
• Under Financial Review
• Awarded
• Cancelled

If Awarded: Review Award Notices

If your company is awarded the contract, the official award notice will be published on Etimad.

Proceed to Contract Signing.

Complete the contract execution process through Etimad:

• Uploading the performance bond if needed
• Signing the official contract electronically or in person

IF Not Awarded: Analyze Results if Not Awarded.

If your bid is unsuccessful, review available information to improve future submissions: the winner's bid price (if disclosed) and your technical and financial scores.

Step 7: Contract Execution (After Awarding)

Successful contract execution requires ongoing compliance and careful management.

Deliver the Project Per Contract Terms

Execute the work according to project conditions, stipulations, technical specifications, and quality standards.

Use Etimad for Contract Management

Continue using the Etimad platform to submit progress reports, invoices and payment requests, and contract amendments if applicable.

The bidding process plays a vital role in fair and competitive government procurement, considered one of the largest in the region. Understanding how the process works helps international companies setting up in Saudi Arabia secure high-quality contracts and helps suppliers position themselves for improved success rates.