ECOWAS Tenders Code c) the number of lots, the nature and importance of each lot, where necessary, the minimum or maximum number of lots for which a bidder may submit bids and be the successful bidder; d) the place where the bidding documents may be inspected and the procedure for obtaining these documents; e) the name of the Institution empowered to award the contract; f) the place, date and time limit for the receipt of bids; g) the time frame during which bidders are bound by their bids shall be specified in the bidding documents; h) the amount required as provisional guarantee, if applicable; i) evidence of the bidders' qualification, technical capability and solvency; j) where applicable, any other conditions as the procuring entity may consider necessary. Article 32: Submission of Bids 1. The deadline for the submission of bids shall be four(4) weeks for Regional and Local Bids and a minimum of six (6) weeks for International Bids sos as to accord prospective bidders sufficient time to prepare and to submit their bids in line with international best practices as provided for in the Procurement Manual. 2. All bids in response to an invitation to open competitive bidding shall be submitted in writing and in addition to any other format in the tender documents, contain all the information related to the bidder, the administrative documents required, the bid security and separately the technical and financial offers signed by an official authorised to bind the bidder to a contract and placed in a sealed envelope. 3. Bids may be sent by public or private mail services, or by hand and should remain sealed until the bid opening. 4. All submitted bids shall be deposited in a secured tamper-proof bid-box. 5. All bids submitted shall be in one of the Community official languages. 6. The procuring entity shall issue a receipt showing the date and time the bid was delivered. Upon receipt, the envelopes shall be recorded by order of arrival in a special register. 7. Bid opening shall coincide with the date and time of the deadline for bid submission. 8. Any bid received after the time and date set for the submission of bids shall not be opened and must be returned to the bidder. 9. No communication other than as provided for in this Code Procurement Manual or bidding document shall take place between procuring entities and any bidder after the publication of a bid solicitation. Article 33: Opening of Bids 1. 1. Bid opening shall take place immediately after the date and time set for bidsubmission. Final Page 16