173   Submission of tenders

(1)  A tender must be submitted in writing, by facsimile transmission or (subject to subclause (2)) by electronic means.

(2)  A tender may not be submitted by electronic means:

(a)  if guidelines are in force under section 23A of the Act with respect to the transmission of tenders by electronic means—unless its submission by electronic means is authorised by, and effected in accordance with, those guidelines, and

(b)  in any other case—unless its submission by electronic means is effected by a secure mechanism (such as an encryption-based technology) that ensures that it cannot subsequently be altered.

(3)  Unless sent by facsimile transmission or electronic means, a tender must be sent or delivered in a sealed envelope.

(4)  If a tender is sent by facsimile transmission or electronic means (other than the means referred to in subclause (2) (b)), it must be printed out on receipt, and an appropriate person must place the tender in a sealed envelope immediately after it is printed out.