Tendering tips

1. Read the advertisement carefully and submit a request in writing or by email for the information required by the dates stipulated in the advert.
2. You will be asked to complete a pre-qualification questionnaire. This usually covers information about your company, how long you have been trading, your recent experience of similar contracts, details of where the council may obtain references and details of your company's finances.
3. To make sure your application is considered please answer all the questions accurately and return your completed application by the closing date and time to the address shown on the return label or identified in the tender instructions.
4. If you do not understand any part of the documents you should write to or email the council officer named in the documentation by the date stipulated and request further information.
5. We will ask for a number of documents to support your tender application. If you apply for more than one contract you will be asked to provide them every time. It is a good idea to keep such documents up-to-date so that they can be used as necessary ie. accounts, policies, procedures, method statements etc.
6. A timetable specific to each should be provided with every tender exercise so that you are informed when to submit your documents and how long each step in the process will take.
7. Allow sufficient staff, resources and time for your response.
8. Consider why you want this contract and the potential benefits to your organisation in working with the council.
9. Think about any changes that may be necessary if you win the contract.
10. Present your information clearly and concisely.

Feedback

You can request feedback at either stage of the evaluation process by writing or emailing the council officer named in the tender documentation. We will offer to provide feedback that is constructive and will help you to improve your next application or tender submission