Consortia & Tender Marketing Scheme

The Consortia and Tender Marketing Scheme, run by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, aims to improve market access for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) across India. It allows MSEs to bid for high-value government and Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) tenders, either independently or through a consortium of similar manufacturing units.

Eligibility is limited to MSEs registered under NSIC's Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS), or those applying for SPRS registration at the same time. The scheme excludes units engaged purely in trading without value addition, directing support to manufacturing and service-providing MSEs. It covers open, limited, and nomination-based tenders.

NSIC helps form consortia among manufacturers of similar products, enabling smaller units to pool production capacities and compete for larger bulk orders. NSIC also manages the distribution of secured orders among members, based on each member's production capacity.

Financial support includes arranging Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) and security deposits on a back-to-back basis, reducing the financial burden on participating MSEs. The scheme also assists with credit and raw materials. The tender participation limit is set at the higher of 300% of the SPRS monetary limit or the MSE's last year's turnover, with annual review and revision provisions. The scheme aligns with the Public Procurement Policy for MSEs, which promotes MSE inclusion in government procurement, including subcontracting opportunities.

- **Step 1: Download the Form:** Access the prescribed application form (Annexures A and A-1) from the NSIC website, usually located within the scheme guidelines document. - **Step 2: Fill in the Details:** Complete the application form in full, ensuring it carries the signature of the authorised signatory (Proprietor, Partner(s), or Director(s) of the firm/company/society). - **Step 3: Compile Supporting Papers:** Assemble all required supporting documents as listed in the application form and scheme guidelines. These generally cover company registration, financial statements, and SPRS registration particulars. - **Step 4: Forward the Application:** Dispatch the completed form and attachments to the relevant or regional NSIC branch office. Before sending, confirm the correct branch address on the NSIC website. - **Step 5: Arrange Factory Inspection:** Confirm that your factory/unit undergoes the mandatory inspection prior to submitting a tender under the scheme, in line with the Tender Marketing Scheme provisions.

Applicants are Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) registered under NSIC's Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS), or those in the process of registering. Their applications are reviewed, and a factory or unit inspection is carried out to confirm eligibility. Once found eligible, NSIC assists them in participating in tenders and forming consortia.

The process centres on verifying eligibility and operational readiness. It does not involve a competitive selection stage, such as a pitch or jury round, since the scheme facilitates participation for units that are already registered.