tender

A tender is a formal process where a contracting authority invites suppliers to compete to deliver goods or services. This is especially common in the public sector, where authorities must ensure fair competition and responsible use of taxpayers' money.

How does a tender work?

The process begins when a contracting authority (such as a municipality or government body) publishes its needs through tender portals like Doffin in Norway or TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) in the EU. The notice describes what the authority wants to purchase and the requirements placed on suppliers.

Suppliers who wish to participate must submit their bids before a given deadline. The bids must meet the requirements set out in the tender documentation, which is the document that describes what the contracting authority wants to buy and how the competition will be conducted.

Key elements of a tender

• Requirement specification: Describes exactly what is to be delivered
• Qualification criteria: Requirements the supplier must meet to participate
• Award criteria: How the contracting authority will evaluate the bids

To simplify the tender process, tools like Cobrief help you find relevant tenders and craft competitive bids. This can save businesses considerable time and increase the chances of winning tenders.

Think of a tender like a job application -- you need to demonstrate that you meet all the requirements, explain why you are the best fit, and submit all documents before the deadline. The difference is that a tender concerns your entire company's expertise and delivery capability, not just one person's qualifications.

A successful tender requires a good understanding of the contracting authority's needs, accurate documentation, and competitive pricing. With the right preparation and the right tools, even smaller businesses can succeed in tender procedures.