Affidavit of Non-Collusion by Prime Bidder
What the Affidavit of Non-Collusion by Prime Bidder Is
Why this affidavit matters for public procurement
The affidavit helps contracting agencies verify competitive integrity and reduces procurement risk by creating a sworn record of independent bidding.
Who completes and relies on this affidavit
Typical users prepare, sign, or review the affidavit during the bid submission process.
- Prime contractors submitting proposals to public agencies and municipalities.
- Procurement officers and bid administrators who need assurance of competitive integrity.
- Legal counsel or compliance officers reviewing procurement documentation for regulatory risk.
Representative signer roles
Company Executive
The CEO or authorized officer often signs to bind the prime bidder and attest that senior management approved the affidavit and reviewed internal bid processes for compliance.
Authorized Agent
A designated contracting officer, legal counsel, or contracts manager may sign on behalf of the bidder when company delegation and authorization documentation are on file.
Common preparation pitfalls to avoid
- Using an informal or unsigned copy that lacks a notarized signature, which many public agencies will reject.
- Entering inconsistent bidder names or TINs between the affidavit and other bid forms, creating administrative hold-ups.
- Failing to obtain proper signatory authority or delegation documentation before submission, risking invalidation of the affidavit.
- Submitting a generic affidavit that omits project-specific details like solicitation number or bid amount, causing noncompliance.
Step-by-step: completing the affidavit
-
01Prepare Form: Download or obtain the agency's affidavit template and read instructions.
-
02Complete Fields: Fill bidder name, solicitation number, bid amount, and signer details.
-
03Sign and Notarize: Have the authorized signer execute before a notary or RON session if allowed.
-
04Attach to Bid: Include the executed affidavit with electronic or physical bid submission.
Where the affidavit goes after signing
-
Electronic Bid Portal: Upload executed affidavit with attachments per portal instructions.
-
Email Submission: Attach the signed affidavit to the official bid email if permitted.
-
Physical Bid Package: Include a notarized original in sealed paper submissions.
-
Agency Contract File: Procurement staff retain affidavit with solicitation folder for audit and protest periods.
Digital workflow settings for eSubmission
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Authentication Method | Email link or SMS one-time passcode |
| File Format | PDF/A preferred for long-term records |
| Notary Mode | RON session or in-person notarization |
| Audit Trail | Capture IP, timestamp, and signer events |
Digital signing and integration requirements
Verify platform capabilities before eSubmitting an affidavit to ensure acceptance and compliance.
- Authentication: Email, SMS code, or advanced ID checks
- Integrations: CRM and document storage connectors
- Formats: PDF, DOCX, and PDF/A support
Key timing considerations for the affidavit
Bid Submission Deadline:
Affidavit due with initial bid package
Bid Opening Date:
Agency logs affidavit at opening
Post-Award Verification:
Agencies may request supplemental affidavits
Protest Window:
Keep affidavit on file during protest period
Record Retention Start:
Retention begins on award or final rejection
Milestones from drafting to long-term retention
Draft and Review
Prepare affidavit during bid compilation and verify accuracy.
Execution and Notarization
Signer executes and completes notary or RON process.
Attach and Submit
Include affidavit in electronic or physical bid package.
File Retention
Retain executed affidavit per agency retention policy.
How this affidavit compares with related declarations
| Criteria | Affidavit | Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Notarization | often required | sometimes required |
| Witnesses | rarely needed | rarely needed |
| When Used | bid submission | limited certification uses |
| Legal Effect | sworn statement | administrative attestation |
eSignature vendor comparison for affidavit execution
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Best practices for accurate and compliant affidavits
Practical examples of affidavit use in bids
Municipal Construction Bid
A prime contractor attaches the affidavit to a public works bid to certify independent pricing
- The contracting officer verifies the affidavit at opening
- The affidavit provided clear evidence during a subsequent bid protest and supported award confirmation.
State IT Services RFP
A technology firm signs the affidavit and submits it with electronic attachments
- The agency accepted a RON-notarized affidavit
- The digital audit trail simplified vendor vetting and retained a searchable compliance record.
Frequently asked questions about the affidavit
-
Is this affidavit always required?
Requirement depends on agency and solicitation. Many public procurement solicitations explicitly require a non-collusion affidavit at bid submission; review the solicitation instructions for mandatory attachments.
-
Can the affidavit be signed electronically?
Yes, electronic signatures are generally valid under federal ESIGN and state UETA laws where not expressly excluded; agencies may specify allowed authentication and notarization methods.
-
Do I need notarization or witnesses?
Some agencies require notarization; witness requirements vary by state and agency. Confirm solicitation instructions and state notary rules before submitting.
-
What happens if the affidavit is incorrect?
Incorrect or misleading affidavits can lead to bid rejection, contract rescission, civil penalties, or debarment proceedings depending on the severity and governing procurement rules.
-
How should I store executed affidavits?
Retain executed affidavits and supporting audit trails per agency retention policies; keep originals or certified copies readily accessible for audits and protests.
-
Can an affidavit be revised after submission?
Revisions after submission are usually restricted. If errors are discovered, notify the procuring agency immediately and follow its procedures for amendments or supplemental filings.