---
title: Electronic Tendering (eTendering) Explained | Aavenir
url: https://aavenir.com/glossary/e-tendering/
description: Electronic tendering, or eTendering, is sending and receiving tenders online instead of on paper, from publishing the requirement to receiving bids and awarding.
updated: 2026-11-07
---

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# What is electronic tendering?

Electronic tendering, or eTendering, is sending and receiving tenders online instead of on paper, from publishing the requirement to receiving bids and awarding.

## How it works

The buyer publishes the tender on a web platform. Suppliers download documents, ask questions and submit bids securely through the same system, rather than posting sealed envelopes. Software runs on the platform, not on the buyer's or supplier's computers, and every exchange, from advertising the requirement to placing the contract, happens over the internet.

## Benefits

- **Compliance.**Deadlines and rules are enforced by the system.

- **Transparency.**Every question, answer and bid is recorded.

- **Speed.**No printing, posting or manual opening of bids.

- **Comparison.**Bids arrive in a consistent format that is easy to evaluate.

- **Reach.**More suppliers can take part, which supports [open tendering](https://aavenir.com/glossary/open-tendering/).

## How Aavenir handles it

[RFPflow](https://aavenir.com/solutions/rfp-management-software/) runs tenders and other sourcing events on one record, with a supplier portal for questions and responses. Aavenir AI scores and summarizes bids against the published criteria, a person decides the award, and the award drafts the contract in Contractflow.

## What to check in a platform

Look for controlled access, sealed bids until the deadline, a clear question and answer log, consistent response formats and a direct link from the award to the contract, so nothing is rekeyed.

## Keep reading

[Open tendering Open tendering is a competitive procurement method where any qualified supplier may bid for a contract for goods, services or works, in a public process. Read more](https://aavenir.com/glossary/open-tendering/)[Electronic sourcing Electronic sourcing, or eSourcing, runs sourcing online: finding and inviting suppliers, collecting and comparing bids, negotiating and awarding contracts. Read more](https://aavenir.com/glossary/e-sourcing/)[Electronic procurement Electronic procurement, or eProcurement, is buying supplies, equipment, works and services through web based or networked systems instead of paper and email. Read more](https://aavenir.com/glossary/e-procurement/)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

## Common questions

###

### What is the difference between electronic tendering and electronic sourcing?

Electronic tendering is one formal method of sourcing, with published requirements and sealed bids. Electronic sourcing covers it plus requests for information, quotations, negotiations and auctions. [Read about electronic sourcing](https://aavenir.com/glossary/e-sourcing/).

###

### Is electronic tendering secure?

A good platform controls access, keeps bids sealed until the deadline and records every action, which is usually more secure than posted paper. Check that the platform keeps a full audit trail. [See RFPflow](https://aavenir.com/solutions/rfp-management-software/).

###

### Who uses electronic tendering?

Public bodies, which often must tender openly above set values, and private companies running formal competitions for large or complex purchases. It suits any competition that must be defensible. [Read about open tendering](https://aavenir.com/glossary/open-tendering/).

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- **1****A 30 minute walkthrough**Built around your team, whether that is procurement, legal, IT or finance.

- **2****Your contracts, not ours**Bring a few sample agreements and watch Aavenir AI extract and review them.

- **3****ServiceNow or standalone**We show the deployment that fits the systems you already run.

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