Should the downloadable bidding documents on "ixarm.com" or "achats.defense.gouv.fr" be accessible as “read only” to avoid any chance of their being amended by a candidate?

It is possible for bidding documents to be put on line simultaneously in two formats: “.pdf” in read-only format (unless you have the license of the appropriate software) and a generic format (Word, Excel, etc.) that is easier to use by the candidate for his internal purposes or when dealing with potential sub-contractors.

A candidate can amend electronic documents such as CCTPs or CCAPs more easily than at present; however, such a supplier can currently scan in the CCTP, and then modify it and forward the modified CDR in place of the original as part of his response. The risk of this happening is not nil even today. Furthermore, such action constitutes fraud (punishable by law) and is therefore a risk for the candidate involved.