5 Must-Know Tips for Bid Writing, Bid Management, and Tenders
Navigating the world of bid writing and tender management can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the process. That’s why I’ve put together these 5 essential tips, inspired by a conversation with my friend Sharon, who works with tenders in the private sector. These insights will help you streamline your bidding process and improve your chances of success.
🎥 Want to hear these tips directly? Check out my video: Watch on YouTube.
How Can You Find Out Who Currently Has a Public Sector Contract?
Did you know the Freedom of Information Act makes every public contract accessible? You can contact a local authority’s procurement team to request details about:
The current supplier.
The contract value.
Performance metrics.
This information is invaluable for planning your bidding strategy. For example, if the incumbent is performing well, the buyer may not have a strong appetite for change. Understanding this can help you decide whether to bid or focus on other opportunities.
Incorporating this research into your strategy is a powerful way to make informed decisions about future bids.
How Can I Stay on Top of Bidding Industry Trends?
Networking is one of the best ways to stay in the loop. Whether it’s face-to-face events, social media groups, or online conferences, staying connected helps you track trends and insights in the bidding industry.
Another great resource is industry newsletters from clients or trade associations. These often contain updates on best practices, upcoming opportunities, and emerging challenges that could impact your bids.
How Can I Manage Risks Within Bid Writing?
Managing risk in bid writing starts with a robust bid/no-bid process. Before committing resources to a submission, evaluate:
The commercial viability of the contract.
Whether your business can deliver the buyer’s requirements.
Terms and conditions in the contract, looking out for hidden risks.
Work backward from the submission deadline to map out your timeline. Begin with thorough due diligence, deconstruct the bid documents, and fully understand the buyer’s requirements. This ensures that no details are overlooked and that your submission is both compliant and compelling.
How Can I Communicate with the Buying Team During the Bid Process?
Effective communication with the buying team is crucial but must remain within the guidelines of the bid process. Most bids include a clarification stage, where buyers may request additional information or clarification.
To manage this effectively:
Monitor the procurement portal regularly (don’t rely solely on notification emails).
Respond to clarification requests promptly.
Being organised and responsive demonstrates professionalism and can build trust with the buyer.
How Can I Use AI in the Bid Writing Process?
AI is revolutionising bid writing, offering tools that save time and improve efficiency. Here are some ways you can leverage AI in your process:
Transcribing Interviews with Subject Matter Experts: AI tools can record and summarise interviews, saving you time on note-taking and helping you focus on bid writing.
Research Assistance: AI can provide pointers and ideas to enhance your understanding of the subject matter.
Word Count Optimisation: Struggling to meet word count restrictions? AI can help reduce a word responses while preserving key messages (though always review the results to ensure accuracy).
These tools streamline the process, allowing you to focus on delivering high-quality bids.
Need help managing your next bid? Check out our Bid Writing Services: https://www.wordsmithprojects.com/services
Looking for more tips, see our blog page: https://www.wordsmithprojects.com/blog or check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wordsmithprojects