---
title: "Open tender minimum time limits"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/precedents/government-procurement-and-tendering/open-tender-minimum-time-limits"
type: "precedent"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "a50-open-tender-minimum-time-limits"
area_id: "A50"
kind: "checklist"
ai_level: "yellow"
version: 1
task_ids: ["A50-X20260927-3"]
law_stated_as_at: "2026-10-22"
---

# Open tender minimum time limits

> Checklist for the minimum calendar-day period between publishing an open approach to market and the closing time, under Division 2 of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/precedents/government-procurement-and-tendering/open-tender-minimum-time-limits  
Law stated as at: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

- Kind: Checklist. Steps or checks to work through and tick off.
- Practice area: [Government Procurement & Tendering](https://ailawframework.com/precedents/government-procurement-and-tendering.md)
- Jurisdictions: Commonwealth
- AI level: Yellow. You and the tool draft together, with you directing. You check every statement you rely on.
- Law stated as at: 2026-10-22
- Status: Maintained. Checked on 2026-10-22 against the authority it cites, for Commonwealth.

## When to use it

Use when setting or checking the closing time for an open tender at or above the procurement threshold, where an Appendix A exemption does not apply. The periods are minimums, not the usual period.

## Used for these tasks

- [Set the tender timetable and the earliest lawful closing time](https://ailawframework.com/practice/government-procurement-and-tendering/set-the-tender-timetable-and-the-earliest-lawful-closing-time.md)

## How AI may be used

AI may count calendar days from a publication time once the official has selected which paragraph applies. It must not choose a shorter period or accept a late submission.

**AI may:**

- Count 25, 30, 35, 10 or 13 calendar days from the date and time of publication once the official has ticked the paragraph
- List whether request documentation is electronic and whether submissions are accepted electronically
- Record the annual procurement plan publication date if one is in the file

**AI must not:**

- Must not decide that a state of urgency makes the ordinary period impracticable
- Must not decide that the goods and services are commercial goods and services
- Must not accept, open or summarise a late submission

**The lawyer checks:**

- Division 2 applies: at or above the threshold and no Appendix A exemption
- The shorter period, if used, matches one of paragraph 10.24(a), (b) or (c)
- Late submissions are dealt with only under paragraphs 10.28 to 10.31

## Authorities

- [Commonwealth Procurement Rules (17 November 2025) paragraphs 10.20 to 10.31 and Appendix B (Days)](https://www.finance.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-10/Commonwealth-Procurement-Rules-2025.pdf)

## Full text and drafting notes

The full text and the drafting notes are not part of this public page. Signed-in firm accounts can read them at https://ailawframework.com/precedents/government-procurement-and-tendering/open-tender-minimum-time-limits and through the signed-in MCP connector https://ailawframework.com/mcp/firm.

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*