Documentation and Compliance Requirements
The firm must provide several official documents to qualify for bidding and ensure legal transparency.

• Partnership deed and certificate of registration (if available)
  
• An authorization letter from partners naming the bidding signatory
  
• Valid GST certificate, Income Tax returns, and financial statements
  
• Work experience certificates, technical qualifications, and turnover proof
  
• Compliance with MSME registration (if applicable) for tender exemptions
  

Participation Through Authorized Partner
Since a partnership firm is not a separate legal entity, it participates through its authorized partner or signatory.

• An authorized partner submits bids on behalf of the firm
  
• Authorization must be clearly stated in the partnership deed or via resolution
  
• The name of the authorized signatory should appear in all documents
  
• All partners are jointly responsible for the tender performance
  
• Execution of the contract must be done in the firm’s name, not the individual’s
  

Financial and Technical Qualifications
Like any other bidder, a partnership firm must meet pre-qualification requirements set out in the tender.

• Minimum annual turnover and past work experience are commonly required
  
• Firms may need to submit an earnest money deposit (EMD) or bid security
  
• Some government tenders have start-up or MSME relaxations
  
• Joint ventures or consortia are sometimes allowed in high-value tenders
  
• Proper accounting and audited statements support eligibility claims
  

Benefits and Challenges for Partnership Firms
While partnership firms can access a wide range of public procurement opportunities, they also face certain limitations.

• Eligible to compete in public infrastructure, supply, and service tenders
  
• Can benefit from MSME tender exemptions for EMD and turnover
  
• Limited liability protection is absent unless converted to LLP
  
• Need to ensure clarity in authority, compliance, and document accuracy
  
• Larger tenders may favor LLPs or private limited companies due to structural credibility