In the bid process, what are the best methods to be followed to get effective competition?

To get effective competition from the bidders/contractors:

1- Make your requirement as possible as clear for quantities (HW , SW, umber of licenses...etc)

2- provide diagrams & documents

3- Allow time for collecting questions from the contractors to be answered

4- assign some one from your side to be the main contact with the contractor

5- Concentrate on the quality & the ability of the contractor to execute the job when he awards