If you’re new to the tendering process or you’re yet to be successful in a bid, it can be a daunting process.
There are a number of different factors to consider, from the cost of delivery to the time frame of the project, and it can be tough to know where to start.
Sometimes the magnitude of the task ahead can feel overwhelming and can blur your thought process on how to deal with it. It is vital in any tendering process to have a clear and practical plan of attack.
Here are some tips:
- Pick the right contract
It is futile wasting valuable time on a tender that doesn’t suit your business or that you will struggle to deliver. You need to make a firm ‘to bid or not to bid’ decision.
To do this, you want to identify contracts that will be the right fit for your company and in line with your wider business ambitions.
Implement a cohesive contract strategy that sees you only tender for contracts that are aligned to your business and goals.
Carefully assess the tender opportunity and identify whether or not your business can carry out the contract and how it will benefit your business.
- Break it down into digestible chunks
Once you’ve found the right tender, read it thoroughly and break it down into more digestible chunks and assign these chunks to the relevant members of your team to supply the necessary information. Also appoint a Project Manager who will manage the process and ensure everyone stays on track to meet the deadline. Create achievable deadlines for each part of the task so that you can manage your time effectively.
- Highlight key points
Ensure that you specifically answer the questions posed. Highlight the key points that need to be addressed and then be clear and concise with your answers, ensuring that you’ve mentioned everything they require and provided relevant evidence where necessary. This is your opportunity to explain how you are the best organisation for the job and demonstrate this through evidence such as case studies, testimonials, policies, certifications and award wins.
- Provide everything asked of you
Keep to any word limits and be sure to fill in all sections/address all points so that you have a chance to score in every area. Make sure any costs are as accurate and transparent as possible and you’ve answered every question.
Try not to include unnecessary information. You don’t want to swamp with information that won’t help your bid.
- Ask for help
Don’t be afraid to ask the commissioner for clarification if you are uncertain about anything within the tender. It is important to follow any process specified in the tender application documents and give yourself plenty of time.
If you’re really struggling, engage with an expert to give you some pointers or guidance or manage the process for you. Ask someone impartial to proofread your tender bid and gather feedback.
Having experts on your side to help you through the process, establish a realistic timeline and ensure you’re not taking on an unmanageable amount of work really does help to give peace of mind.
K Low Consulting has a wealth of expertise and can support you from creating a strategy, right through to submitting your tender bid and beyond.
When we work with clients, we work to a Four Phase process:
Phase 1 – Business and contract strategy
Phase 2 – Opportunity analysis
Phase 3 – Tender writing and management
Phase 4 – Implementation and contract analysis
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with tender bid writing, get in touch with K Low Consulting today to see how we can assist you. Contact info@klowconsulting.com or give us a call on 0330 133 1041.