In many tenders, the winner is determined based on the Best Price-Quality Ratio (BPQR). This means that it is not automatically the lowest price that wins, but the bid with the best balance between price and quality. How can you optimize your bid for this?

How BPKV works

At BPKV, each registration receives a total score, consisting of:

Price score — How your price compares to other bidders
Quality score — Assessment of your action plan, team, methodology, etc.

The weighting varies per tender. Typical ratios are:

Price	Quality
40%	60%
30%	70%
50%	50%

Understanding arithmetic

Let's calculate an example with a price-quality ratio of 40-60:

Applicant	Price	Quality score	Price score	Total score
A	€100.000	80	100	88
B	€90.000	75	111	89
C	€110.000	90	91	90

Bidder C wins despite having the highest price, because the quality score carries more weight and is significantly higher.

Strategy 1: Analyze the weighting

Before you begin, make sure you fully understand the weighting:

For high quality weighting (60%+):

Invest as much as possible in high-quality components
A higher price can be justified by better quality.
Stand out with your approach, not your price

For high price weighting (50%+):

Competitive pricing is essential
Maintain quality, but don't look for gold
Efficiency in your approach is crucial

Strategy 2: Understand the scoring mechanism

Many contracting authorities use formulas to convert prices into scores:

Linear formula:

Score = (Lowest price / Your price) × Maximum points

Relative formula:

Score = Maximum points - ((Your price - Lowest price) / Lowest price) × X

Know the formula and calculate scenarios. Sometimes €5,000 more or less makes little difference to your score.

Strategy 3: Maximize your quality score

The quality rating is often more subjective than the price score. Tips:

Answer exactly what is asked

Read the assessment criteria literally. If it says "describe your approach in a maximum of two A4 pages," then deliver exactly that.

Be concrete and specific

Not: "We ensure good communication."

Well: "Our project manager sends a status report every Monday at 9:00 a.m. with progress, risks, and action points."

Demonstrate demonstrable added value

Use concrete examples from similar assignments. Figures and results are more convincing than promises.

Visualize where possible

Planning, organizational charts, process diagrams—visual elements are easier to assess and stick in the mind better.

Strategy 4: Pricing as a tactic

The “just below” strategy

If you suspect that prices are close together, €500 lower can make all the difference. This works especially well with high price weighting.

The “investing in quality” strategy

With high quality weighting, a higher price can give you room to truly excel. The extra points for quality compensate for the lower price score.

The "game theory" approach

Estimate what competitors will offer. If everyone is going low on price, differentiate on quality. If competitors focus on quality, a competitive price may actually win.

Strategy 5: Risk analysis

Create scenarios in advance:

Scenario	Your price	Expected prices others	Chance of winning
Low	€85.000	$100,000–$120,000	High quality, good
Middle	€95.000	$100,000–$120,000	On average, depending on quality
High	€105.000	$100,000–$120,000	Only with excellent quality

Common mistakes

Focusing solely on price — With BPKV, this is rarely the winning strategy.
Underestimating quality components — This is often where the most distinctive features lie.
Ignoring the formula — Calculating ahead prevents surprises
Writing too vaguely — Assessors need concrete evidence

Smarter registration with TenderWolf

TenderWolf helps you find tenders that match your expertise. This allows you to focus on assignments where you can truly excel in terms of quality.

Get started with TenderWolf for free and increase your chances of winning BPKV tenders.

Value for money: how to get the most out of BPKV