Tendering in Oman: Practical Issues

Foreign companies wishing to tender in Oman need to understand a wide range of matters such as legal procedures, applicable government policies, the procurement guidelines, approvals required, and the implications of policy and law changes.

In this article, we highlight some issues which may impact on tendering in Oman.

• The Tender Board: Article 3 of the Tender Law provides that contracts for the supply or execution of works or transport or offers of services, consultancy studies, technical works, and purchase and lease of real estate shall be through public tenders. Certain types of contracts such as security and defence units do not go through the Tender Board; rather, these are carried out through other ministries.


• Registration: Before a foreign company may submit a bid to the Tender Board, it must register with the Tender Board. The criteria for registration depends on whether the project is for construction, supply, consultancy, or training.


• Local Representation: It is not necessary for the foreign company to have a local presence in Oman at the time of bid submission. Article 23 of the Tender Law provides that foreign companies, however, must form a local entity within 30 working days of winning the bid. Some quasigovernmental entities require foreign companies to submit their tenders through a local Omani agent, but there is no such requirement with the Tender Board.


• Standard Government Contract: Companies should be aware that the contract entered into with the government is the Omani Standard Forms and Conditions, which is based on the FIDIC standard form.


• Applicable Laws: In addition to the Tender Law, companies also should be aware of other relevant laws such as the Law of Engineering Consultancy Offices and the Foreign Capital Investment Law.


• International Treaties: The U.S.-Oman FTA and the GCC-Singapore FTA each include a dedicated chapter on government procurement.


• Oil and Gas Projects: There are additional requirements for companies wishing to bid on oil and gas projects. For example, some tenders require Oman Society for Petroleum Services (OPAL) certification.