Tender writers: be prepared for your next tender submission

‘Being prepared’ is a hard concept to beat when it comes to submitting tenders – and a key to low-stress tender writing.

Companies involved in regular tender writing often have a tender template that they use time and time again as a base for their non-price attributes sections. The tender template usually includes sections typical to many requests for tender (RFTs) i.e. relevant experience and track record, technical skills, management, resources and methodology – with the CVs of key personnel.

Here are a few tips on the sort of things you can include in your tender template:

Relevant experience and track record in tender responses
Write up accurate descriptions of key projects/contracts you have worked on. Include basic information such as dollar values of the project, client names and contact details, commencement and completion dates, areas where you demonstrated exceptional skills and so on.

Resources
Requests for tender/proposal frequently ask for a list or table of your key resources. This can include your plant and equipment and can also include your people and technology. Much of this can be included in your template and amended accordingly for each new submission. Keep it up to date.

Technical skills and management skills
These sections are about the skills of your people and your company, so be sure to include both in your template. List the technical skills of your key people, and write a brief profile on your key management people. Include details on qualifications, training courses they have attended, key strengths etc.
Management sections often ask for information on numerous other aspects of your company such as communication, staff training, billing, records and reporting, health and safety, environmental and sustainability practices.

Methodology
The technical part of how you will carry out the job is best left out of your template because it will probably vary each time you tender. However, you will often have to talk about other aspects such as staff induction on the job and specific health and safety/environmental methodology that pertains to on-site aspects of a job – these can usually be included in a template.

CVs for tender submissions
Many RFTs request CVs for key people. Don’t leave CV preparation until the very end of the submission process. The stress! Have your CVs ready and up-to-date.