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Don’t be a tender writer until you have key information on hand
Every request for tender or proposal has a unique set of requirements, but there are questions common to all that you need to get right at the start of the process to help your team build up a clear picture of what they need to do.

What tender writers should know from the outset:

• The tender’s name and reference number
• Who is the client, and where are they located?
• The description and scope of the works or project
• The name(s) and contact details of the client’s representative
• The name(s) of the person to address queries – can you phone them or do you have to email? Is there a close-off date for questions?
• Do we have to register interest before a certain date? What is the commencement date and required completion date of the project?
• When is the tender response due? Date and time? Address?
• Do you need to submit the response in electronic or hard copy form, and how many copies?
• Is there a word or page limit? Search carefully for this as it is not always where you might expect it to be.
• Any special format requirements such as fonts, type size, spacing, etc?
• Is there an on-site inspection? When is it? Do you have to register for it? Is it compulsory?
• Are there special requirements that are a prerequisite to winning the tender e.g. qualifications of key personnel, or ISO compliance?