What makes a good tender?

To be competitive and successful in winning a tender means ensuring the finalised tender proposal impresses the person or committee who will select the winning tender from all the bids or proposals that are submitted. There are several points the tender writer keeps in mind when tender writing.

Being specific A good tender writer knows that once you have read the invitation to tender document several times you can commence writing by detailing how your organisation or business definitively meets the requirements of the client. The tender writer defines what the specific needs of the client are through their thorough and systematic perusal of the invitation to tender document.

Using quantifiable and detailed examples in order to 'sell' your organisation to the client and convince them you are the best fit for their requirements. Substantiate your claims with evidence and strong examples. If possible, the tender writer will use quantitative data statements such as 'we have delivered 90% of our jobs within our allocated time frame'.

Pricing matters Include the price you will charge for each product or service required as part of the tender document. Think about - are there any variables or conditions that might impact on the price? If so detail them and be clear and open. Include GST and any other pertinent taxes.

Provide a timeline When tender writing, provide a proposed schedule for completion and supply of the product or service including milestone dates and delivery dates.

Address all selection criteria in detail. Be specific when highlighting the organisation capabilities. When tender writing ensure you have carefully read and understood the invitation to tender and identified the specific requirements and expectations of the client then prove without any doubt that the applying organisation can not only meet all those needs but can do it better and more successfully than competing bidders.

Match your chosen referees to the client requirements. Your referees should be able to substantiate and corroborate that your claims of expertise and the examples you have provided in the proposal are accurate. It sounds simplistic but ensure you have sought permission to use them as referees and that they are happy to speak on your behalf. Also ensure you have provided the correct details for the referees.

Details! Details! Details! The experienced tender writer can confirm that small things can derail your application just as easily as something large; like overlooking an important requirement or attachment. Ensure you are following all the requirements from the invitation to tender document such as formatting, font size and type, page or word restrictions and most importantly submit ON TIME! Late submissions can be disqualified from review and evaluation immediately.

Editing and proof reading are important and necessary. Use spell and grammar checks, print your draft application and read through it. Does it read clearly? Does it flow? Ask someone else with appropriate skills to read through it for you too or do it as a team. Take any suggestions as constructive criticism from somebody who is looking at the application with a fresh eye. Quite often the tender writer has spent great amounts of time working on this proposal so a different perspective can add clarity or finesse to the final application.

Red Tape Busters has a team of professional Tender writers waiting to help. Tender writer Sydney, tender writer Melbourne, or wherever you require assistance, Red Tape Busters team of experienced tender writing consultants can help.