Gov. Ed Rendell's spokesman Chuck Ardo says the delay is "in anticipation of getting a better price by doing so."
He says the bids are now expected to be submitted within a matter of days - not weeks or months.
Rendell's staff announced the guidelines for bidders on April 16, and said they wanted to have bids in hand near the end of April.
The goal is to raise billions for transportation costs through a long-term lease of the turnpike system. It would also pre-empt a law introducing tolls to Interstate 80.
Rendell plans to submit the best bid to the Legislature for its consideration.
