Checking and submitting a tender bid
Every detail matters when you're writing a tender.
Use the tender submission checklist below to help ensure your tender meets all the requirements.
Tender submission checklist
| Is the tender compliant? | |
|---|---|
| Make sure you have the necessary accreditations. | |
| Follow the tendering instructions set out in the tender specification documentation. | |
| Make sure you've used the templates or format specified. | |
| Check documents that need signatures, deadlines for submission, number of copies required, word limits etc. | |
| Is the tender easy to read? | |
|---|---|
| Make sure that all your responses are clear and concise. Avoid any unnecessary elaboration or jargon. | |
| Make sure responses follow a logical structure (e.g. using headings, charts, graphs etc. when necessary to aid comprehension). | |
| Have all the specified requirements been addressed? | |
|---|---|
| Check the tender against the specification and the evaluation criteria. | |
| Are the responses to evaluation criteria supported with evidence? | |
|---|---|
| Make sure that your responses are backed up by evidence. You want to ‘show’ how you can meet the requirements, rather than just ‘telling’ the buyer that you can. | |
| Has all the requested information been supplied? | |
|---|---|
| Check the required information against the tender specification documents (e.g. policies, certificates etc.) | |
| Ensure supporting documents are included in the proposal, or attached. | |
| Make sure that the tender documents are signed off as instructed. This is usually carried out by a senior manager or the business owner. Digital signatures may be required in e-tendering. | |
| Are you offering a value for money tender response? | |
|---|---|
| Check that the tender response has a competitive price and high quality. | |
| Have you pre-arranged delivery? | |
|---|---|
| Make arrangements in advance for delivery of the tender (e.g. post, courier or online submission). | |
| Submit the tender well in advance of the submission closing date. | |
Also consider...
- Find out where to search for tender opportunities.
- Learn more about analysing tender requests.
- Find out how to write a competitive bid.
- Last reviewed: 10 May 2016
- Last updated: 1 Mar 2017