Dictionary of Procurement Terms

Similar to an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a solicitation issued when two or more sources of supply have been identified, the requirement can be adequately defined, and the entity intends to accept the lowest-priced responsive tender from a responsible offeror without negotiations.

Latin for "I will not contest it." In a criminal proceeding, a plea by the defendant that does not admit or deny the charges. Additionally, the plea cannot be used against the defendant in any future civil suits that are based on the same acts.

A bidding process for goods, services, or construction that is open to all qualified bidders and in which sealed bids are opened in public for scrutiny and are chosen on the basis of compliance with the solicitation’s requirements and lowest price. Also referred to as competitive tender or public tender, the terms typically used in Canadian procurement. See also: Solicitation.