Online Reverse Auctions

If you say yes to either of the following questions you are likely to come across electronic reverse auctions soon, if you haven't done so already.

• Are you involved in tendering for high value contracts?

• Do you contract with any central government department, local government authority or charity?

Electronic Reverse Auctions "eRA" are a procurement methodology using a secure internet platform to enable competing suppliers to bid in real time for specific contracts.

There is no restriction on the size or purpose of a contract suitable for eRA but the average cost of using the facilities of an eRA platform supplier is said to be between £8k and £10k so it is unlikely to be used for smaller sized procurements.