Principle of Specificity (In Procurement Sanctions)

The principle of specificity is a rule of law expressing that, in procurement law, sanctions may be applied only in respect of acts expressly defined in the legislation. Under it, debarment from tenders or the forfeiture of security by reason of an act not provided for in the legislation is unlawful. For example, where an abnormally low tender explanation is not submitted, the tender may be rejected, but that act alone does not constitute a basis for forfeiting the bid bond.