What is the Unified Qualification for All Ministries and Agencies? Explaining the application procedures required to obtain it

Updated: July 2024, 7

Once you obtain the unified qualification for all ministries and agencies, you will be able to participate in biddings for ministries and agencies across the country, expanding your possibilities.
In this article, we will explain the basic information about the unified qualification for all ministries and agencies, as well as the application procedures.

What is the uniform qualification for all ministries and agencies?

Unified qualifications for all ministries and agencies refer to the qualifications for bidding in general competitions (nomination competitions) related to the manufacture and sale of goods in each ministry and agency.
　
Normally, qualification to participate in bidding must be obtained for each purchasing agency.
For example, to participate in a bid for an order from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, you must obtain Tokyo's bidding qualifications.
Once you obtain the unified qualification for all ministries and agencies, you will no longer need to apply individually to each target ministry.
This is an extremely useful qualification as it allows you to participate in bidding projects ordered by any government ministry or agency.
　
This qualification is valid for bidding participation in all procurement agencies of each ministry and agency located in the desired region among the applicable competition participating regions.

Benefits of obtaining a unified certification for all ministries and agencies

Participate in nationwide ordering projects

Once you obtain the unified qualification across all ministries and agencies, you will be free to choose the regions in which you wish to participate in bidding.
A major feature of this service is that even if you only have one office, you can participate in projects across the country by selecting all regions.
　
The available regions to participate in are as follows. If you select all regions, you can participate in projects nationwide.

Names of regions and prefectures participating in the competition for unified qualifications for all ministries and agencies

Newly established corporations and sole proprietors can also obtain the certificate

The all-ministry unified qualification can be obtained by corporations and sole proprietors who have just been established.

For example, in Tokyo, only corporations that have had at least one fiscal year end are eligible to participate in bidding.
Therefore, the unified qualification across all ministries and agencies that can be obtained even by newly established corporations is a major advantage.

Important points regarding the Unified Qualification for All Ministries and Agencies

Valid for 3 years

The all-ministry unified qualification is renewed every three years and is valid for three years.
To maintain your certification, you must renew it every three years.
　
However, the validity period of the qualification is not from the time of acquisition but within a set period, so in some cases it may be necessary to renew it in less than a year.

Preparation for electronic bidding is required

After obtaining the unified qualification for all ministries and agencies, tenders for each ministry and agency will basically be conducted through electronic bidding.
Therefore, it is necessary to obtain an electronic certificate and establish a system that can handle electronic bidding.

Types of qualifications, goods to be procured, etc.

The unified qualification for all ministries and agencies applies to "manufacturing and selling of goods," "provision of services," and "purchase of goods."
Eligibility to participate in competitive competitions for construction work, surveying, construction consultancy, etc. is not included and requires separate application.

Procedures for obtaining a unified qualification for all ministries and agencies

1. Preparation of necessary documents

First, prepare the necessary documents.
The main required documents are listed below, but other documents may be required depending on the application method and requirements.
The tax payment certificate is issued by the tax office, and the historical facts certificate is issued by the Legal Affairs Bureau.

• Required documents
• Financial statements (balance sheet and income statement) for one year
• Certificate of entry
• Tax payment certificate (part 3 of 3)
• Notification of qualification examination results (※Only in case of renewal)

② Application

Once you have all the necessary documents, you can submit your application.
Applications can be made either online or by mail.

Applying via the Internet

Enter the required information on the application screen, and scan any supporting documents such as tax payment certificates and attach them as PDF data.
(You can also send only the attached documents by mail.)

Application by mail

Send the completed application form and any attached documents to the application destination of your choice.
This tends to take longer than applying online.

③ Application review and qualification acquisition

Once the application is completed, the relevant government ministry or agency will review the application.
The application details and attached documents will be checked for consistency and any omissions.
The review process is usually completed within one week to one month after application (if submitted by mail).

Once the screening is completed successfully, you will be issued a notification of the qualification screening results.

Ministries and agencies where uniform qualifications are valid for all ministries and agencies

The ministries and agencies for which the Unified All-Ministerial Qualification is valid are as follows:
By holding a unified qualification across all ministries and agencies, you will be able to participate in bidding for orders placed by each ministry and agency.

*Includes external bureaus, affiliated organizations, other organizations, and local branch offices.

External bureaus, affiliated organizations, other organizations, and local branch departments of each ministry and agency