Learn how to bid for a tender – starting with what you already know

Obtain the tender document

Once you’ve found a tender you’d like to win, obtain the tender documents (usually from a relevant website) quickly. It is worth checking if there is a compulsory briefing meeting. If you miss this meeting, you may be disqualified from bidding on the tender.

Read the terms and conditions

This is one of the most important things when you to learn on how to bid for a tender. Make sure you read the terms and conditions of the tender document carefully and understand it thoroughly. Read the tender document from beginning to end. Be sure to complete the tender documents carefully and attach any required supporting documents.

To bid or not to bid?

Many factors may impact on your decision whether to bid or not for a contract. Follow the below checklist to help decide if a tender is worth bidding on:

• 3 cases studies – similar in scope, scale and value.
• Is it financially viable? Would you be making a profit?
• Do you meet the financial standing?
• Do you offer something unique in the market? What are the unique selling points of your business? What do you do that your competitors don’t?
• Does this fit in with a long-term strategy? Does this fit with the key targets for your company?
• Do you need to outsource any work, if so, then how much?
• Does your company have the ability to deliver the project?
• Most importantly, do you have time to commit to this?

Breaking down the question

The most effective technique when bidding for a tender is breaking down the question and arranging it into sub-categories. If you don’t break down the question it makes it harder to answer. Once you have your sub-categories in order you are able to start writing your answer.

• Sub-headings

For example, if a question has 10 points to it, use 10 sub-headings to cover each point of the question. By breaking the tender down into manageable chunks, it makes answering the question easier.

• Consider every point of the question

Again, breaking down the question will help you consider each point of the question. This will help you write a coherent and informative answer and will demonstrate you have fully understood the question.

Write a compelling bid 

Prepare your bid response, if you want to win a bid, you must put time and effort into it. Your answer should be clear and concise and cover all the points asked of you. You should create an in-depth plan of what your response will include and follow a clear structure. When planning your answer, think about the following:

• How much will it cost to prepare the bid?
• What resources will you need to fulfil the contract?
• Who will manage the bid?
• Who is your competition?
• What is your chance of winning?
• What information do you need?

Presentation skills

Still asking yourself, how do I bid on a tender? Think about your presentation, it’s a key element in bidding. Using overly complicated information will reduce your chances of winning the bid. Presentation skills are key to being successful, some useful tips include:

• Use sequencing and coherent theme
• Make your presentation as simple and attractive as possible
• Use simple vocabulary
• Use excellent graphical representation.

Submit before the deadline

If you don’t submit before the closing date, you’ll be disqualified. Make sure you submit the tender well ahead of time to avoid any disappointment. If you submit the tender after the closing date it will not be read by the tender officials.

Confirm your tender documents have been received

When you submit your tender via a portal submission, you will often come to a confirmation screen. It’s worth taking a screenshot or making an email folder if you receive a confirmation email. This will save you a whole lot of worry.

Checking your bid

Be sure your bid meets the requirements, after all if you bid for a tender, you’re bidding to win. Tenders often do not win due to:

• Failing to answer the specific questions
• Poor planning
• An insufficient level of detail
• Failing to address the full specification.

Proofing is important before you decide to submit your bid. It’s one of the basic skills to acquire when learning how to bid for a tender. You don’t want to submit a tender that is full of bad grammar, spelling mistakes or content that doesn’t flow. Poor proofreading skills will reflect badly on your business, and you could lose the bid.

Still looking for support?

So, you’ve learnt all you need to know about how to bid for a tender. It’s a lot to take in and you might need more support.

Here at Tender VLE we want to help you as much as possible when you bid for a tender. We pride ourselves on providing you with information and guidance, so you have the best chance of winning your bid.

If you’re still unsure about how to bid for a tender, you can contact us for additional support.