Tips for submitting a tender

When putting a tender together, take it one stage at a time.
 

• If the tender asks specific questions, cross reference the question number in your response for example, by using a heading such as 'Response to Question 1.1'.
• If you submit any documentation (for example, a health and safety policy), include the question number on the enclosure.
• Ensure that the tender is presented professionally and always keep a copy of your tender.
• Provide specific examples for any statements you make. For example if a tender asks for your experience in a certain area, stating 'we have a 5 year contract which started 1 January 2005 for the provision of fresh produce with XXX Council worth £100,000 per annum' is better than 'we have extensive public sector experience'.
• Ensure that you tailor your tender submission to the actual tender - generic submissions or submissions made up of your company's promotional leaflets will not score good marks. Tailor the tender submission to the evaluation criteria stated in the tender documents.
• State any assumptions you have made when completing your pricing schedule. Complete the pricing schedule exactly as in the documents provided.
• Ensure that you complete all sections of the tender documents and check that you have made all enclosures.
• Sustainability and the ability to secure wider economic, social and environmental benefits for the community are integrated in the procurement processes. Think about how your business can demonstrate an understanding of this.
• If you know of industry standard figures and can beat them - then make the most of it and let the buyer know in your form.
• Use your commercial judgement to know where you sit in your market in terms of pricing.
• Organisations / businesses have no inherent right to receive business from the public sector. The public sector is legally required to hold competitive exercises to ensure value for money.
• Always provide support and evidence for statements made in your tender.
• We can only evaluate what you have submitted. We cannot refer to any previous knowledge or experience it has had with a supplier unless it is in your submission - do not make any assumptions about what we may or may not know about your or your company.
• Make sure you return the documents in the format requested.