Corrigendum vs. Addendum in Public Procurement in Pakistan: Understanding the Key Differences

Corrigendum vs. Addendum in Public Procurement in Pakistan: Understanding the Key Differences

Introduction

Public procurement in Pakistan is governed by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Rules, 2004, which ensure transparency, fairness, and competition. During the procurement process, there are instances where changes need to be made to the bidding documents or the procurement notice. This is where Corrigendum and Addendum come into play. While both terms involve modifications, they have distinct meanings and implications.

What is a Corrigendum?

A Corrigendum is a formal correction issued when errors, omissions, or mistakes are found in the original tender or procurement notice. It is used to rectify mistakes without altering the core procurement requirements.

Key Features of Corrigendum:

• Issued to correct typographical errors, wrong dates, incorrect figures, or factual mistakes in the bid document.

• Does not change the scope of work, specifications, or fundamental terms of the procurement.

• Published in the same manner as the original notice (e.g., on the PPRA website and national newspapers).

• Ensures that all potential bidders receive the correct information before the submission deadline.

Example of Corrigendum:

A procurement notice published in a newspaper mentioned the bid submission date as March 15, 2025, instead of March 25, 2025. In this case, a Corrigendum is issued to correct the error and inform bidders about the correct date.

What is an Addendum?

An Addendum is a supplementary document that modifies, clarifies, or adds new information to the existing bid document. Unlike a Corrigendum, which corrects errors, an Addendum is used when there is a need to make substantial changes in the bidding terms.

Key Features of Addendum:

• Introduces changes such as additional requirements, modifications in scope of work, specifications, or bid evaluation criteria.

• Can extend deadlines, introduce new clauses, or add technical clarifications.

• Bidders must acknowledge receipt of the Addendum and incorporate the changes in their bid submissions.

• Issued before the bid submission deadline to ensure fair competition.

Example of Addendum:

A government department issued a tender for the procurement of IT equipment but later decided to add an additional requirement for warranty extension services. An Addendum is issued to include this new requirement and allow bidders to adjust their proposals accordingly.

Major Differences Between Corrigendum and Addendum

Feature	Corrigendum	Addendum
Purpose	Corrects mistakes/errors in the tender notice	Adds/modifies terms and conditions of the tender
Impact	Minor changes (e.g., dates, typos, factual errors)	Major changes (e.g., new requirements, revised specifications)
Effect on Bidding Process	No significant impact; bidders proceed as planned	May require bidders to revise their proposals
Acknowledgment by Bidders	Not necessary	Mandatory acknowledgment required
Timing	Before bid submission deadline	Before bid submission deadline
Published On	PPRA website, newspapers, official portals	PPRA website, official portals, and shared with bidders

Final Note:

Understanding the difference between Corrigendum and Addendum is crucial for procurement officers, suppliers, and bidders. While a Corrigendum is issued for corrections, an Addendum introduces significant modifications. Both documents ensure fairness and transparency in public procurement in Pakistan, aligning with PPRA rules and best practices.

For procurement professionals, timely issuance and communication of Corrigenda and Addenda help in maintaining a competitive, transparent, and legally compliant procurement process.