3. Tender Writing – Understanding the Tendering Process
The skilled tender writer will have an excellent understanding of the tendering
process and the tender writing task.
While responding to tenders isn’t rocket science or brain surgery there are very
significant skills required and the quality tender writer will really understand how
the tender process works, how tenders are assessed and what “pitch” is required
to get their tender over the line.
Today we will discuss the tendering process and issues that you need to be aware
of in preparing great tenders.
4. Tender Writing – Understanding the Tendering Process
Council/Government/Corporate Requirements
Obviously before a tender is released the entity releasing the tender has to
have identified a need and has to have decided on exactly what
services/products they need and they obviously have pre-determined a budget
for the cost they are willing to pay for the good/services.
So obviously then price will be an important consideration no matter what
they say in their general blurb about price only being one consideration – it is a
very very important consideration.
5. Tender Writing – Understanding the Tendering Process
Advertising
Once the offering entity has decided on the good/services they want and the
budget they have to pay for the services, then they will need to work out how to
buy these services.
Do they have overarching policies/legislation that require them to go to tender
which is generally the situation with Government or Council related entities?
Corporate/commercial entities are not restricted by these constraints and can
either go to tender if they feel this is the best way to get the services/price they
want or do they just go direct to market.
6. Tender Writing – Understanding the Tendering Process
Advertising
If they decide to go to tender then obviously the tender is released to the
public or industry and the tender is advertised on the entities website, via social
media, on tender specific websites.
So you have to be aware of where these tenders are advertised and keep an
eye out for tenders that might suit your needs.
7. Tender Writing – Understanding the Tendering Process
Document Cache
When an entity releases a tender to the public/industry/selected entities there is
usually a large cache of documents that comprise the tender documentation. These
can comprise the tender specifications, tender response form, tender definitions,
example of the contract to be offered/signed if successful, pricing spreadsheet etc
etc.
The main documents to concentrate on are the tender specifications and the
response form. The rest of the documents are generally to be read for general
interest.
8. Tender Writing – Understanding the Tendering Process
Response Requirements
In responding to tenders there will be very specific requirements outlined
generally in the tender specifications document of how they want the tender
response – ie what font/format, what supporting documents, what can and can’t be
included, what attachments can be submitted, how the tender is to be lodged – hard
copy, disc, hand delivered, online etc and the closing date for responses to be
received.
The quality tender writer will ensure they meet the requirements of the tender
EXACTLY!
9. Tender Writing – Understanding the Tendering Process
Assessment
The offering entity will convene an assessment panel to assess the tender
responses. Firstly they will want to identify those tenders that do not comply with the
specific requirements set out in the tender specifications document.
So if in the tender writing process you didn’t use the correct font, lodge it
correctly, meet the submission deadline etc etc then your tender will immediately
end up on the no chance pile.
10. Tender Writing – Understanding the Tendering Process
Assessment
Once the number of responses are down to a manageable level then the panel will
focus on the price being offered, the quality, the experience, the value adding, point
of difference, strengths of the responding company/organisation, the supporting
WHS systems and processes in the responding business/organisation, the innovation
etc.
11. Tender Writing – Understanding the Tendering Process
Assessment
There are many considerations for the assessment panel but as mentioned price is
important and at Red Tape Busters we really focus on the issues just mentioned.
As highly skilled and experienced tender writers we need to pitch our client and
their business/organisation as being totally different to the competition – different
but way better. Our successes certainly suggest we have the tender writing process
down to a fine art.
12. Tender Writing – Understanding the Tendering Process
Contact us at Red Tape Busters - http://www.redtapebusters.com/ should
you require more information about this article or if you require specialist
grant or tender writing experience to help your organisation or business win
grant funding or achieve successes with tenders.
13. Tender Writing – Understanding the Tendering Process
We are specialists in providing the following services:-
Lobbying
Tender Writing
Grant Writing
Resumes/Job Applications
Organisational/Business Development.
14. Tender Writing – Understanding the Tendering Process
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15. Contact Us
Red Tape Busters Pty Ltd.
ABN: 39 094 823 417
PO Box 3126
WARNER QLD 4500
Telephone: 07 3882 2055
Facsimile: 07 3882 2066
Email Address: admin@redtapebusters.com.au