Tender Request Documents
Tender requests are invitations to suppliers to provide a competitive offer to win a contract for the supply of their products or services.
There are many different terms for tender requests, and each may have slight differences, with the most common being request for tender (RFT) and invitation to tender. Other terms include request for proposal (RFP), expression of interest (EOI), and call for bids etc.
The documents themselves will vary between organisation to organisation, but common elements of tender request documents include:
There are many different terms for tender requests, and each may have slight differences, with the most common being request for tender (RFT) and invitation to tender. Other terms include request for proposal (RFP), expression of interest (EOI), and call for bids etc.
The documents themselves will vary between organisation to organisation, but common elements of tender request documents include:
- Description of the goods and services to be procured: this will include what the work will involve, and any technical specifications or details relating to requirements, deliverables or outcomes of the project.
- Conditions of tender: this stipulates the terms and requirements that must be met in order to be considered for the project or contract. There may be technical qualifications, experience, licensing, legal or financial conditions that ought to be met in order to be eligible.
- Evaluation criteria: this outlines how your submission will be assessed and evaluated. This should be adhered to and used as a guide when preparing your tender submission.
- Submission content and format: details may be provided on how you should present your submission. There may be specifications relating to length of submissions, file format, presentation etc. Templates or response forms may also be provided. It is important to use these when available, and adhere to format and presentation instructions.
- Process rules and information: this may include things such as the deadline for submission; where and when it should be submitted, what should be included in the submission; for example pricing information or schedule, and person(s) to contact for clarification or enquiries regarding the tender.
- Conditions of Contract: Draft contract conditions: this may indicate the general or standard terms and conditions of the contract, with additions or alterations made when a winning tender is announced. This should also include any non-standard terms and conditions - these should be highlighted within the tender documents.