A Call for Bids is a formal announcement by the Board that allows Exploration Licences (ELs), Significant Discovery Licences (SDLs) or Production Licences (PLs) to be awarded through a competitive closed bid process. The land available for licensing has either been chosen for the Call by the Board or through a nomination, whereby interested parties can nominate specific land parcels that they deem prospective for future Call for Bids.
The Call for Bids specifies:
- The type of interest to be issued (EL, SDL or PL);
- The terms and conditions of the interest;
- The form and manner in which the bid is to be submitted;
- A closing date;
- The sole criterion that the Board will apply in assessing bids submitted in response to the Call.