In previous weeks we discussed the efforts being made by government to consult with industry much earlier in the procurement process than was traditionally done in the past. While government is using Requests for Information and calling for Expressions of Interest more often, they are also providing Notices of upcoming procurements a lot more regularly. This is more common for Defence and ICT requirements. So when you see a Notice for a prospective tender opportunity, what actions can you take to maximise this ‘warning period’? While the detailed specifications and contractual templates are yet to be seen, there is still a significant amount of preparatory work that can reduce the tender squeeze, when the actual RFT is released.
– Documentation prep: Regardless of the requirement there are a few commercial documents that are always called for in a tender in some kind of format, these include: company profile (background, resources, experience), Corporate viability, financial statements, insurance details, organisation structure, Key staff (and their duty statements). These documents can be prepared in a draft form and finalised when the tender is released.
– Partnerships/Consortiums/Subcontractors – While the fine detail of these relationships can’t be established before knowing the details of the requirement, discussions around potential partnerships can commence. If you think you might need to go down this path, it would save valuable time later if you establish who might be available, who might be interested, and if you consider establishing a consortium, who might take the lead.
– Supply chain – an established business already has a supply chain, however will this tender require you introduce new subcontractors? Do you need to look at increasing Australian content, should you consider indigenous suppliers? Developing a potential list, arranging a few introductory meetings could serve you well down the track.
– The bid writing team – consider your past tender preparation experiences, what worked and what didn’t? Do you need to engage consulatants or bid writers? Do you have adequate legal advisors, do you need to rethink your bid preparation process and the structure of your internal teams?
Just taking the time to consider some of these aspects without the pressure of a deadline can make a big difference to the final quality of your bid, at the very least reduce your stress levels!
Engineering Business can assist with all aspects of tender readiness should you require it. If you are after further advice on this topic or any other opportunity listed below, feel free to contact us. You can also subscribe to this newsletter for regular weekly updates.
