What is an offer?
A tender is a document in which a company or an individual proposes a price for a particular service or supply. In the context of public procurement, a quotation is an important part of the procedure to conclude a contract between a contracting authority and a supplier.
The contracting authority is the public body that issues a contract for a particular need, for example, the construction of a bridge, the supply of office supplies or the organization of an event. The contracting authority must announce the contract through a publication in the Bulletin of Procurements or on a European website, depending on the value and nature of the contract. The publication contains the conditions and criteria that bids must meet, as well as the deadline and method of submission.
A company interested in the contract may submit a tender to the contracting authority. A tender must contain the following elements:
- The identification of the assignment and the client
- The identification of the bidder and any subcontractors
- The price and price justification
- The technical specifications and quality assurance
- References and proof of competence
- The sworn statements on the grounds of exclusion and social and fiscal obligations
- The attachments and forms listed in the publication
A tender must be submitted by the deadline and in the prescribed manner, such as through an electronic platform or by registered mail. A tender that is late or incomplete may be rejected.
The contracting authority will evaluate the bids based on the predetermined criteria, which may be price, quality, sustainability, innovation or service. The contracting authority will choose the best bid and sign a contract with the chosen supplier. The other bidders will be informed of the decision and justification.
A tender is therefore an essential document for both the contracting authority and the company wishing to compete for a public contract. A tender must be clear, complete, correct, and meet the specified requirements. A tender can make the difference between winning or losing a contract.
How do I make a good bid for a government contract?
Making a good bid for a government contract is not easy, but it is important to increase your chances of winning the contract. Here are some tips to help you:
- Read the contract publication carefully and follow the instructions for submitting the tender. Make sure your bid meets all the requirements, conditions and criteria set by the contracting authority.
- Use short sentences and not too many phrases. Make your proposal texts personal and address the contracting authority directly. Be specific and complete in describing your price proposal, your technical specifications, your quality assurance and your references.
- Include a schedule with your quote, with estimated start and end dates, length of workdays and number of employees. Also indicate how you will accommodate or avoid any risks or delays.
- Add general terms and conditions to your quote, which include payment terms, warranty period, liability and dispute resolution. Make sure your general conditions do not conflict with the terms of the contract.
- Sign your quote with your name, position and signature. Also include your contact information and any subcontractors. Make sure your quotation is submitted in a timely manner and in the prescribed manner, now almost always mandatory through the electronic platform.
A good tender for a public contract is a document that shows your professionalism, your competence and your added value. So devote sufficient time and attention to preparing your tender and leave a good impression with the contracting authority. Good luck! 😊
