Part 3: Award of public contracts and procedures Time limits and termination Section 54: Time limits
This section establishes the minimum periods that contracting authorities must allow for the submission of tenders (and/or requests to participate) in relation to procurements under Part 3. Subsection (1) requires that when setting time limits contracting authorities must have regard to a number of factors, established in paragraphs (a)-(e).
	Subsection (2) requires that the same time limits must apply to all suppliers.
	Subsections (3) and (4) set out in tables the mandatory time limits that must be met or exceeded in different circumstances. These are in line with the requirements of the GPA. Broadly, suppliers have less time for certain procurements, if there is a state of urgency, if it is a utilities contract or being awarded by a non-central government authority or if suppliers are already on notice of the impending procurement via a planned procurement notice; and more time if tenders cannot be submitted electronically or if supporting information is changed or not fully provided with the tender notice.
	Subsection (5) sets out definitions used in this section and explains the meanings of a central government authority, negotiated tendering period, qualifying planned procurement notice, participation period, pre-selected supplier and tendering period.