What are some guidelines for preparing my response?
What information should be included in my response?
What are some guidelines for preparing my response?
Present your response in a simple format
Your tender will be evaluated on content, not on extravagant presentation. If tenderer's response schedules have been provided, use them. If no set response format has been specified, follow the general format and numbering of the tender specification. Use simple, straightforward language and keep to the point.
Know how your tender will be evaluated
Provide a clear and concise response to each of the evaluation criteria. Make sure you address any mandatory criteria and give particular attention to criteria that carry the most weight.
For more information refer to understanding how tenders are evaluated.
Maximise Compliance
Your tender will be assessed to see if it complies with mandatory tender and contract conditions. If it doesn't it may be considered to be invalid and eliminated from further evaluation.
Make sure you address in detail the requirements of the tender specifications as well as the conditions of contract and tender.
Demonstrate your ability
Make sure you demonstrate (not just assert) your ability to fulfill each criterion. Draw on previous experiences to provide examples, and offer certificates, samples, references and referees to further justify statements.
For more information see tips in addressing evaluation criteria.
Complete the price or cost schedule
Ensure you have completed the price or cost schedule for all items you are tendering. Clearly indicate how all costs are calculated and check whether prices should include or exclude GST. Either way, be clear that your tender prices are GST inclusive or exclusive.
Pitch competitively
Are you offering value for money? Value for money is based on a broad assessment of all cost and benefits of each proposal. For example, have you built "fat" into your pricing to account for unexpected expenses or risk in undertaking the project - providing this information may assist in any negotiation phase.
Provide Additional Information
To further demonstrate your ability to undertake a tender it may be appropriate to include background information on your company's history, your employees, services you offer and any prior experience with Government purchasing. This information may be included in the covering letter, as appendices or when addressing criterion.
Remember, you will be providing a good or service to a government agency. Within your submission demonstrate an understanding of the particular agency's business and how your company's skills may compliment them.
What information should be included in my response?
Your response should provide all the information requested in the tender documents.
If a format has not been specified, your response should include:
Covering letter
Cover page
Match the title of your response to the Request for Tender title.
Table of contents
Executive summary
This is usually only required for large or complex tenders.
Statement of compliance
Address all criteria in detail giving particular attention to mandatory conditions and criteria that carry the most weight.
Price or cost schedule
Capability details
Detail the knowledge, experience, and availability of your proposed team for this project, including subcontractors.
Past performance
Include details of previous work of a similar nature to the tender. Provide a list of referees and their contact details.
Quality assurance achievements
Attach any necessary documentation to demonstrate your compliance.
10. Appendices
Attach any relevant, but not critical items, as appendices, for example your company profile and staff resumes.
