<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=442043613279730&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

Cubit Estimating Cloud: Anywhere, Anytime Estimating

Work anytime, anywhere with a fully managed cloud hosted solution that will transform your business. In the ever-evolving landscape of construction management, staying ahead means embracing innovation and technology. We’ve been committed to developing construc.....

David Cartwright

Business - 3 min read

Is the Request for Tender Worth Your Time?

Jason Hook

Head of Sales and Marketing

Jun 9, 2017 7:15:00 AM

It’s tempting to respond to every request for tender. Especially toward the beginning of your business, you may feel that you should try to get work everywhere. After all, you never know which tenders will result in contracts and which won’t.

However, this approach isn’t always a good use of resources. Your firm is more qualified for some projects than for others, and when you use precious time and resources responding to tenders you’re underqualified for, you miss out on other opportunities.

 

How to Respond to a Request for Tender

When an organisation tenders, it issues a request document. This document explains the organisation’s needs and any selection criteria it deems important. Instead of viewing every request document as an invitation, look at them as helpful guides. The criteria contained in a request for tender will help you to know whether or not the tender is worth your time.

 

Should I Respond to the Request for Tender?

In deciding whether or not to respond to the request for tender, consider the following questions: 

  • Do we meet the compliance regulations?
  • Are we pre-qualified for this project?
  • Do we have access to workers or subcontractors who can perform all the necessary work?
  • Does the project’s schedule conflict with our current schedule demands?
  • Do we have all of the equipment and resources necessary for the job?
  • Are there any conflicts of interest that could cause problems?
  • Do we have the financial resources to complete the projects?
  • Can we locate and purchase all the materials necessary for the job? 

These questions can help you to decide if you should respond to the request. If you have problems with several of these areas, think twice before investing time into formulating a tender response.

 

Research the Buyer

In addition to evaluating your own qualifications, you’ll also want to research the buyer. Detailed information about the buyer can be very enlightening and help you to determine whether the tender is worth your time.

If the buyer holds any briefing sessions, try to attend them. You may be able to talk with the person in charge of tenders, and if you have any questions, you can get answers before you make a final decision about whether to submit your tender. 

Careful research of the buyer can also be helpful in the event you proceed with the tender. For example, if you learn that they’re particularly time-sensitive, you can adjust your schedule accordingly.

Being selective with your applications can save you a lot of time and money. Not every tender request is a good match for your business. By spending your resources on the tenders that are the best fits, you become more efficient and competitive.

For more tender tips to improve your responses, visit our Building a Better Trade Business eCourse today:

Tender tips, marketing tips, technology for builders.

Cubit Estimating_logo_Blue

Tools for pros.
Prices for everyone.

We understand estimating can be complex and tiring. We're here to make it much easier.

Get your 14-day free trial of Cubit the natural estimating solution.

14-Day Free Trial

How to Articles

How the Tax Man can benefit your business

It’s that time of year again when it’s time to get all your financial ...

How to Win Construction Leads on Social Media

Attracting customers to your construction business is a continuous pro...

Product Updates

Cubit Select Update: Delivering New Improvements and Enhancements

March 2024 We’ve been working hard to implement some new improvements ...

Cubit Estimating Release: Delivering a range of improvements to enhance your work

Following the release of our highly anticipated collaboration features...