Does retaining the option of using either electronic or hard copy transmission for the same solicitation present a risk of error?

To avoid such errors, the option of using electronic transmission for bidding documents will be included in the invitation to tender (AAPC); the AAPC will also contain a reminder that hard copy transmission of the bidding document remains an option for any candidate who so requests as part of his candidature. For the special case of negotiated procedures without publicity (and not giving rise to an AAPC), these stipulations will be contained in the solicitation letter, which will be sent by post.

Until 1 January 2005, it is up to the administration to stipulate for a given solicitation whether electronic transmission of submissions (candidature and bids) is possible or not. When this is the case, these stipulations will be present in the AAPC and/or the solicitation regulations. Until 1 January 2005, the administration retains the right to disallow the electronic transfer of submissions, including where it has equipped itself with ad hoc tools.