Top tips for supplying public sector organisations

When bidding for public sector contracts

Research - understand the customer and their contract; and structure your bid accordingly
Be aware of relevant legal and policy issues
- eg Equal Opportunities and Health & Safety (more legal and policy issue information - link to Links page)
Differentiate
- What are you doing differently?
- What new ideas have you developed?
- What innovations have you introduced to your business?
Ask questions - clarify any doubts you have about the tender documents.
Information - provide all the information requested
Presentation - make sure information is accurate and well presented
Meet all specifications, but don’t be afraid to suggest improvements or provide feedback
Deadlines -submit bids and quotations on time; one minute late and you bid will not be opened
Target your marketing by identifying key decision makers and ‘live’ business opportunities. Don’t waste time chasing business that isn’t there.
Further opportunities - do ask about opportunities with other councils or sub-contracting opportunities
Persevere - following the completion of a tender process public sector bodies are required to debrief unsuccessful bidders and clarify why they failed to win the contract and offer advice on improvements; take advantage of these and learn from the experience.