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The TPA Vendor Assessment Process, Explained

TPA Vendor Assessment for GeM — 2026 Guide

TPA conducts Vendor Assessment for GeM sellers. The process moves systematically from online application and turnover-tiered fee via your seller dashboard → document submission → desktop assessment → live video assessment of your premises → report published to your GeM profile. The result is valid for 3 years.

Turnover-tiered OEM fees (~₹872–₹3,486 + GST) replacing QCI fees
Zero-error pre-audit of shareholding, MCA, address & ITR records
Live video walkthrough rehearsal for factory, machinery & stores
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Two Different "TPA Vendor" Things — Don't Confuse Them

If you searched for: TPA Vendor Assessment for GeM Selling to government buyers via the GeM portal in a VA-mandatory category.
You are on the correct page (This Page)
If you searched for: TPA Vendor Registration Becoming a direct supplier to TPA itself, or seeking TPA third-party inspection services.
Different process on TPA's own portal — we explain the difference here
This mix-up wastes weeks. If you're a GeM seller in a VA-mandatory category, read on.

QCI → TPA: What Actually Changed

Most guides online still describe the Quality Council of India (QCI) process — they're outdated. Here is what sellers actually experience under TPA.

Outdated QCI Regime

  • Fixed flat fee (~₹11,200) regardless of business turnover.
  • Legacy scheduling portals and old communication channels.
  • Discontinued agency workflows.

Current TPA Regime (2026)

  • Turnover-Tiered Fee: OEMs pay ~₹872–₹3,486 + GST based on turnover band.
  • Modern Portal Flows: Direct communication & scheduling via updated GeM dashboard screens.
  • Same Core Rigor: Focuses on manufacturing capability, quality systems, financials, and document consistency.

Stage-by-Stage: What TPA Checks & How to Prepare

01

Application & Fee

Initiated directly from your GeM seller dashboard. The fee is turnover-tiered under TPA — OEMs pay ~₹872–₹3,486 + GST based on turnover band (the ₹11,200 figure in older guides is the QCI-era fee). Ensure you choose the correct assessment type — OEM vs deemed OEM routes differ significantly.

02

Document Submission & Consistency Traps

Uploading required organizational, financial, and technical documentation. Desktop assessments frequently fail due to minor discrepancies between uploaded documents and existing portal profiles.

Consistency traps that fail desktop assessments:
  • Shareholding pattern not matching MCA records
  • Expired quality certificates (ISO, BIS, etc.)
  • Factory address differing from the GeM profile address
  • Financial figures not matching filed ITR returns
* We audit all four critical consistency points before filing.
03

Desktop Assessment

TPA officially reviews the submitted document package. Clean, consistent documentation passes smoothly without clarification requests; every official query adds days or weeks to your timeline.

04

Video Assessment — Where It's Won or Lost

A live video call walkthrough of your premises: manufacturing area, machinery in operation, raw material and finished-goods stores, and quality/testing setup.

Preparation that works:
Put the right person on the call (someone who knows production, not just the owner), ensure machinery is demonstrably running, and verify that the physical layout matches your submitted factory plan. We rehearse this call with clients — it's the single highest-value hour of the engagement.
05

Report & Result

Once verified, the report and result are published directly to your seller profile. Government buyers can view your verified assessment status on tenders. The result is valid for 3 years — ensure you calendar the renewal ahead of time.

If Something Fails...

Failed parameters can be remedied and re-assessed (re-assessment fee applies again). The economical path is passing on the first attempt: most failures we're brought in to fix were preventable documentation mismatches or walkthrough issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does TPA conduct GeM vendor assessment now?

Yes, TPA conducts VA for GeM. Guides describing QCI are describing the older regime.

Is the TPA process different from QCI's?

The structure is similar; scheduling, portal flows, and communication differ. Assessment criteria remain capability-focused.

What happens in the video assessment?

A live video walkthrough of your manufacturing premises — machinery, stores, quality setup — with questions to your team. It's the decisive stage.

How long does TPA vendor assessment take?

Typically 2–3 weeks end to end, driven mostly by document readiness and video-assessment scheduling.

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Tech Vantage Consulting is an independent private consultancy providing advisory and compliance support services. The firm is not affiliated with, endorsed by, authorized by, or acting on behalf of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), TPA, or the Government of India.