It has never been easier for SME’s to access public sector tenders which offer a real opportunity to grow the business and increase turnover and margin.

The key to winning this work is to learn to submit compliant tender documents which demonstrates you can match the buyer’s requirements as a minimum and ensure you present your company in the best possible light.

Tender Bids provide advice, assistance and procedures which save you time, money and increase your chances of successful PQQ qualification and winning that Tender.

Should you decide to bid on your own you may waste time and money and win nothing however the aim of this advice page is to advise you on how to eliminate the most common errors and increase your opportunity to win contracts.

Advice

• Initially you should register on all the Public Contract websites to ensure that you receive notification of all appropriate opportunities.
• Remember to formally express interest.
• Ensure you have all the tender documentation required to allow you to fully understand the requirements of the bid.
• When you have read the documents thoroughly and understand what is required you can then ask for clarification from the buyer on any issues that are unclear. Be aware that any questions you ask and the response is also available to your competitors so consider carefully what you ask, always checking that no one else has asked a similar question.
• Armed with a full understanding of the requirement, and using the scoring guide you can realistically assess your chances in the competition.
• If you decide to submit a bid give yourself enough time ensuring your bid matches the tender specification requirements. The answers must be in the required font and size and any word limits strictly observed. All requested attachments are properly referenced and display the required information. You must also ensure that the spelling and grammar are correct and you follow the instructions how and when to submit. Do not be late.
• Do not cut and paste answers chances are they will not be in context and the bid will not read as if it has been written by one hand.
• When responding to questions ensure that your answers address the questions in a structured and systematic way detailing how you will deliver the requirement in a clear and concise manner whilst ensuring that you highlight the added value and benefits you can deliver.
• When requested to provide examples of your experience ensure you give relevant examples which are comparable with the buyers scope of requirement contained within the documentation.
• Don’t be modest but be honest and if you have any specialist skills don’t forget to highlight them and how they may benefit the client.
• Ensure that you answer ALL the questions and sign all declarations.
• Regardless whether you win or lose actively participate in debriefing opportunities offered which will highlight both you and your competitors strengths and weaknesses helping you to improve your responses and techniques for your next submission.