Frequently Asked Questions

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A public tender is an official invitation issued by a public sector organisation, inviting companies to bid for large projects or supply goods and services. Tenders are part of a competitive procurement process ensuring transparency and fairness.

Public tenders in the UK are advertised on various platforms, including the UK government's official site, Contracts Finder, for tenders worth over £10,000 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. For Scotland, the Public Contracts Scotland website is used. Additionally, tenders that fall under the Utilities Contracts Regulations or the Public Contracts Regulations are published on the Tenders Electronic Daily (TED) website, the online version of the Supplement to the Official Journal of the EU.

To register interest, you first need to locate a tender notice relevant to your business. This can be done through the websites mentioned above. Once a suitable tender is found, follow the instructions provided in the notice for registering your interest. This often involves creating an account on the procurement portal and expressing interest through the portal.

The information required can vary depending on the tender but generally includes:

• Company details (name, address, registration number)
• Contact information of the person managing the tender response
• Evidence of financial stability
• Details of experience and references from previous projects
• Technical capacity to fulfill the contract requirements
• Proposed approach to the project
• Pricing details and schedule

Tender submissions are usually made through the online procurement portal where the tender was advertised. Ensure all required documents and forms are completed in accordance with the tender instructions. Attach any supporting documents as specified and submit your tender by the deadline.

• Missing the submission deadline
• Incomplete or inaccurate responses
• Failure to follow instructions or format requirements
• Not providing requested supporting documents
• Underestimating the project costs and timeline

Tender applications are evaluated based on criteria specified in the tender documents, which often include price, technical ability, and the bidder's financial stability. The evaluation process aims to identify the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT).

After submission, your tender will be reviewed and evaluated against others. You may be contacted for further information or invited to present your proposal in more detail. If successful, you will be awarded the contract and negotiations will begin. If unsuccessful, feedback is usually available upon request.

If you believe the tender process was conducted unfairly, you can request a debriefing from the procurement authority. Further, you can challenge the decision through the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 complaint procedures if necessary.

Various organisations offer support with tender applications, including local Chambers of Commerce, business support organisations, and professional bid writing services like The Bid Clinic. The UK government also provides guidance through its websites.