Basic tips that cannot to be overlooked
Tendering requires careful planning and thinking before putting together a comprehensive bid. However, in the process of paying much attention to details, the basics can easily be forgotten. In this blog we discuss some basics that should always be considered.
Almost a year ago we shared some tips with you in our blog `tips to remember when tendering`. In this blog, we included the very essential technicalities required to help you win a tender. Adhering to these technicalities is just the first step towards winning a bid. Embracing the list below will certainly be more advantageous.
1. Read and understand the tender document
It cannot be said often enough; make sure that you understand and know what the tendering organization is looking for. Read the complete documentation before you start providing information. This will save you time and will contribute to the quality of the final input.
2. Respond in full to the question
Make sure that you answer each question in full and make it clear that you are in a unique position to provide the required product or service. Also make sure that you provide evidence of relevant, recent experience and demonstrate capabilities which are not older than three years.
3. Don`t assume the organization that put out the tender know of you
This is a common mistake often made by established companies who bank on the popularity of their brand. When bidding, address each question as if your capabilities, strengths, people and other resources are unknown to the evaluator. Describe your methodologies and approaches, as well as reference projects/sites in detail. State how this is relevant to the requirements of the tender (specifications).
4. Target your referees/references
Only provide relevant references where you provide similar products or services as the one that you are tendering for. Make sure your reference is aware of the possibility that they might be contacted to verify your claims made in your bid. Ensure that each key capability criteria listed in the Evaluation Criteria and Specifications is addressed across the references you have provided.
5. Embrace duplication
Answer each question in full, even when it seems repetitive. Do not cut and paste from one answer to another. Instead, use the repetition to reinforce required experience and capabilities by stating it differently and more convincingly. Add additional value where possible.
6. Offer value-added initiatives
Differentiate a tender response by using value-added initiatives which relate to the requirements of the product or service required.
7. Understand key policy requirements
Understand the key procurement policies that apply and relate to current and prospective bidders. These include Probity, Market Approach Policy, Disclosure of Contracts, Tender Complaints Management or Performance and Financial Guarantees.
8. Submit a complete response
Make sure you`ve answered every question and submitted all required information. Make use of a checklist when doing a final check.
9. Adhere to the time schedule
You won`t get extra points by submitting a tender response early, but surely your tender response will be disqualified if your entry late! Take your time to complete the documentation but also submit it in time.
The combination of adhering to the above and the quality of your product or service should certainly be able to make your tender response, a `winning bid.`
