How to Plan Your Tender Response

 


A well-researched tender and a carefully planned response will increase your chances of success, while reducing costs and time-wastage to your business.  

The following are some tips for organising your tender response.

Examine the tender request

Most tender requests will have the following common elements:

- outline of the buyer's requirements

- list of criteria that you must meet

- instructions about the tender process and submission.

Carefully read the tender specifications, conditions and contract terms. Ensure you familiarise yourself with guidelines, policies and laws for tendering. Once you fully understand the tender request, you need to find out if the tender opportunity is the right fit for your business.

Confirm your capability for the job

After you have thoroughly analysed the tender request, next is to confirm your business's capability to fulfill the contract:

- List all the elements of the contract.

- Identify the requirements you can definitely meet, then any components you are concerned about.

- Confirm your licences, registrations or accreditations are relevant.

- If you cannot deliver all of the specified goods or services, within the required time frame, you may consider partnering with another business.

- Carefully consider the risks associated with the contract and have a plan to manage or minimise risks.

Research the buyer

Gather as much information as you can about the organisation requesting the tender. Including the work they require. Having extensive information about the tenderer will allow you to tailor your tender proposal to their specific needs. If possible, attend all briefing sessions provided by the tenderer. Do not be afraid to ask the tenderer questions. This can allow you to establish relationships with key contacts.

Develop a marketing pitch

Prepare a short marketing plan that is tailored to your tender. This will help to define how you plan to market your business for this specific tender. Your marketing plan can be used to identify any key ideas you will use in your tender response, as well as the products, reference material and information resources you will include in the tender.

Plan your tender proposal

Set up a meeting with your staff to plan the tender development process. An organised approach to creating a competitive tender response, is your best weapon. Identify who will coordinate the tendering process and keep the latest version of the tender document. Have a plan in place to submit your tender proposal well before the deadline.

Consult all project contributors

In planning your tender, consult and involve everyone who will work on the contract.

Use these consultation sessions to consider:

- the resources you will assign to preparation of your tender proposal

- the budget you will require when you win the contract

- influencing factors, such as, your track record, your competitors, and the relevant experience and qualifications of project contributors.

Enlist a professional tender writer

An experienced professional tender writer can help you to navigate the quagmire that is tender writing. Red Tape Busters has a team of experienced tender writers that can partner with you and your business to develop a well-organised and high standard tender proposal. Whether your needs are a tender writer Sydney, a tender writer Victoria, a tender writer Melbourne Wales or a tender writer anywhere across Australia, Red Tape Busters are your team.  

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