The Evolution of Tender Writing: From Traditional Bids to Digital Submissions
The history of Tender Writing in Australia is continually transitioning, shaped by developments in tech, stricter regulations, and shifting economic markets in business. As organisations strive to improve their companies and win bids, it helps to understand the trends of the past and how they will shape the industry now and into the future.
While tender writing was not yet widely
recognised as a specialised profession, the need for clear, persuasive writing
to win bids began to gain attention by the 1980s. Before that, tender writing
was less prevalent, and the way to be successful in acquiring grants had
varying processes during both the industrial revolution and post-war times. In
the 80s, businesses started formalising bid teams or designating tender writing
staff to construct tenders, laying the groundwork for the professionalisation of
tender writers seen in later decades. Tenders began to be published in weekly
newspapers, and 20-year government contracts came about during this time. The
influx in the industry resulted in contractors seeking cost-effectiveness and
business ability over more refined requirements, which were seen in years to
come.
From the 1990s to the 2000s, digital
systems such as fax machines, and the introduction of the basic desktop
computer shifted tenders from paper into the digital and global world. The
increased accessibility of tender agreements globally shot up the competition,
which shifted to tighter standards and regulations to ensure the best possible
company was rewarded the bid. Tender
writers needed to align with in-depth criteria that understood legal and
contractual requirements. This resulted in companies outsourcing their tender
writers to contractors and specialists in the field to ensure their tender
writing met this standard. Further introductions of specific requirements in
tender forms were introduced, along with the necessity for niche knowledge in
business innovations and ethical consciousness. Requirements like environmental
sustainability, gender equality, and risk management strategies all became
standard in tenders. If a grant writer could indicate the company’s compliance
and alignment with these necessities, the bid became more attractive.
By the 2000s, tender writing had become a
fully realised and booming profession, which was seen as essential to the
competitive bidding process. Companies now relied on specialised tender writers
to ensure a stronghold in the growing complexity of tender requirements. This
era saw a rise in tender consultants who brought niche expertise in areas such
as sustainability, corporate responsibility, and innovation strategies, all of
which required knowledge of specialised language. As the requirements of a
company evolved beyond simple costs and capabilities tender writers became
irreplaceable in highlighting a business ethical, environmental, and cultural
considerations in a clear and concise way.
The digital advancements of the 2010s
transformed the tender writing landscape even further. Online submission
portals, sophisticated assessment standards, and cloud-based tools streamlined
processes but at the same time also heightened the stakes. Tender writers were
now tasked with mastering digital platforms, ensuring compatibility with
submission systems, and adhering to stricter formatting and technical
guidelines.
Today, tender writing continues to evolve
alongside technology and business innovation. Artificial intelligence and data
analytics are beginning to influence how tenders are prepared and evaluated,
with predictive tools helping writers anticipate client needs and tailor their
submissions. Despite these advancements, the human element remains vital.
Tender writers must still articulate a company’s unique value and present a sincere
case for why their organisation is the best fit for the job.
