For some it can be a difficult process of trial and error however, there are some fixes you can introduce immediately to improve your chances of success.
Choose the right contract
Success begins with choosing the right contract. If you choose one for which you do not comply then the bid will be doomed to fail from the start. A thorough bid/no bid process allows you to select a contract your company both complies with and has a strong chance of securing.
Look for services you have previously delivered, along with the right budget and turnover requirements. Read through the specification and determine that you are fully compliant before expressing interest.
Use and maintain a bid library
This is possibly the most essential way to improve your success rate in the long term. A bid library is a collection of model answers and supporting documents created using feedback from previous submissions.
Each response can then be tailored to new PQQs and tenders which saves time and improves quality. Companies that use a bid library are proven to have more success than those that do not.
You can find more information on how to create and maintain a bid library in our blog.
Answer the question
It can be very easy to stray from the question when responding to a tender. Keep referring back to both the question and the specification in order to keep your response on the right track.
Evaluators are looking for you to hit certain points so make sure that each statement is backed up by evidence and case studies.
Focus on evidence and innovation
The best way to stand out from the competition is by focussing on evidence and innovation. Contracting authorities are always looking for better ways for contracts to be delivered, so use this to your advantage.
Look over past experience and highlight examples of innovation and anytime you overcame unforeseen issues. Providing evidence gives weight to your responses and proves you are the right company for the job.
Where a word count is imposed try to use case studies in your supporting documents. This way you can refer to them within your response, without having to impact the word count.
Use a Proofreader
One of the biggest tips we can offer for immediate improvements is the use of a proofreader. This ensures that your submission reads well and is free from errors.
The evaluator will have an easier time analysing your submission and you will greatly benefit from this.
More tips for improving your submissions:
