Buying Forgings Through the GeM Portal: A Guide for PSU and Government Buyers
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is India’s online procurement platform for central and state government departments, public sector undertakings and autonomous bodies. Forgings — standard and custom — can be procured on GeM either from catalogue listings or, more commonly for engineered components, through custom bids with drawings and specifications. For PSU buyers, a well-structured GeM bid with clear technical requirements, inspection terms and qualification criteria attracts capable forging suppliers and avoids disputes after award.
At a Glance: GeM Procurement Routes for Forgings
| Route | Best For | Notes |
| Direct purchase | Low-value standard catalogue items | Subject to value thresholds |
| L1 purchase | Standard items with multiple sellers | Lowest price among compliant offers |
| Bid / RA (reverse auction) | Higher-value or custom forgings | Technical evaluation then price |
| Custom bid | Drawing-based engineered forgings | Most suitable for critical parts |
Why Custom Bids Suit Engineered Forgings
Critical forgings are made to drawing, material specification and inspection plan. Catalogue listings rarely capture these details. A custom bid lets the buyer attach drawings, specifications, quality plans and qualification criteria so that every bidder quotes the same scope.
What to Include in a GeM Forging Bid
- Drawing with revision and any forging drawing
- Material grade and governing standard
- Heat treatment condition and mechanical properties
- NDT methods and acceptance standards
- Delivery condition (forged, rough or finish machined)
- Inspection: in-house, third-party or buyer’s inspection agency, with hold points
- Documentation: EN 10204 3.1/3.2, test reports, traceability
- Quantities and delivery schedule
Qualification Criteria Buyers Commonly Use
- Past supply experience of similar items
- Quality certifications such as AS9100D, ISO 9001, IBR, API, ABS
- In-house heat treatment and testing facilities
- Approval by relevant inspecting authorities (for example DGQA, RDSO, IBR)
- Financial turnover thresholds
Make in India and Local Content
Public procurement in India gives purchase preference to local suppliers under the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) policy, based on local content. Forgings manufactured in India from domestic processing typically qualify as local content; bidders declare their local content percentage in the bid.
Inspection and Acceptance
Define the inspecting authority and hold points in the bid. For defence buyers, DGQA or the PSU’s own quality team typically witnesses testing. For pressure parts, IBR inspection applies. Clear inspection terms avoid delays at dispatch.
Why PSU Buyers Choose Vinir Engineering
- Manufacturing in India with domestic forging, heat treatment and machining
- AS9100D across all four units, with IBR, ABS, API and IRIS approvals
- Experience supplying defence PSUs, ordnance units, power and rail
- NABL-accredited in-house test lab for faster inspection
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