How To Bid for a Tender

There are three types of government tenders, and the process of submitting a bid varies for each one.

Every company that’s interested in the project submits a tender bid. All tenders are evaluated fairly, and suppliers with the Most Advantageous Tenders (MAT) will be selected for the project. (Not sure what a MAT is? Check out our guide on How Public Sector Tendering Works.)

Interested companies will submit an expression of interest (EOI). This document succinctly introduces your company, your product or service, and why you think you’re a good match for the project. Relevant suppliers will then be given the invitation to tender (ITT). At this point, you can submit your formal tender bid.

This type of tender is slightly less common and involves a period of negotiation with selected suppliers after the EOI stage. The government department or organisation will try to get better offers from the companies, which may include increased value contracts or lower prices

Regardless of the type of tender being advertised, the process of your company applying for that contract will be roughly the same

1. Identify a relevant opportunity (that’s easy with Contract Finder Pro’s search tool).

2. Check the type of tender – you may have to submit an expression of interest (EOI) or complete a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) or Selection Questionnaire (SQ). This ensures your company is qualified for the project.

3. If you’re offered an invitation to tender (ITT), you can start writing your bid. If you’re bidding on an open procedure tender, you can submit your bid immediately after identifying the opportunity.

4. Read the ITT or tender document carefully and ensure your tender bid ticks all the boxes.

5. Wait for your bid to be evaluated. You may be able to see which criteria the organisation will use to assess your bid on the tender document.

6. Successful companies will be notified that they have won the contract. Awarded tenders are also published to increase transparency.

Want to increase your chances of securing a government tender? Here are our tips.

1. Read the tender document carefully. You don’t want to miss any little details – including the all-important deadline.

2. Research the organisation launching the tender. What are their needs? How can you fulfil them?

3. Be persuasive. Your bid is a sales document, not just a description of your products or services. Use case studies, statistics, and testimonials.

4. Stick to word counts. If the invitation to tender wants an answer of 1,000 words, give them 1,000 words.

5. Don’t use fluffy language. Keep your answers simple and to the point.