A contract where the buyer agrees to cover the cost of production plus a fixed markup.

The process of managing contract execution, ensuring all parties meet their obligations.

Manages the logistics of proposal creation, ensuring that contributions from different team members are cohesive and timely.

A table matching proposal sections to the specific requirements listed in the RFP to ensure full compliance.

A formal introduction outlining the key points of the proposal and making a case for selection.

It helps evaluate the overall value of a bid by weighing the benefits against the costs, beyond just pricing.

A financial guarantee ensuring that the bidder will fulfill the contract if awarded.

A SWOT analysis identifies Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to a specific bid opportunity.

Bid protests are formal objections to contract awards, usually resolved through a legal or administrative process.

A document defining project specifics, like tasks, deliverables, and timelines.

A win theme is a unique selling point designed to resonate with the buyer's specific needs and concerns.

A proposal submitted proactively to a prospective client, without a formal RFP invitation.

It's a contract awarded without a competitive bidding process, usually because a specific supplier is uniquely qualified.

This is a tender process with two rounds, first selecting a shortlist based on qualifications, then moving on to detailed proposals.

It's the phase between winning the bid and starting the work, involving planning, resource allocation, and setting up governance structures.

A subcontractor is a company hired by the main contractor to perform specific tasks or services within the larger project.

It's a method that looks at factors beyond just price, such as quality, sustainability, and long-term costs.

It's the use of online systems and technology for procurement processes, including bidding.

Unique value propositions, a deep understanding of the client's needs, and a clear, persuasive writing style can set your bid apart.

Often yes, because you'll have a complete understanding of your proposal's strengths and key selling points.

It's the current supplier whose contract is up for renewal or competition.

These are questions that bidders may ask to clear up any ambiguities in the tender documents.

An open tender is publicly advertised, while a closed tender is by invitation only.

It's the formal document that outlines all the specifications, terms, and conditions for the bidding process.

A sealed bid is submitted in a way that the contents are unknown until a specific opening date and time.

It's a long-term agreement with a supplier for goods or services, rather than a one-off contract.

Bids are generally scored based on a variety of factors like cost, quality, and compliance with requirements.

It's a process where the buyer engages with potential suppliers to refine and improve the final bids.

Yes, this is known as a consortium bid and is often used for large-scale projects.

A bid manager coordinates and oversees the preparation of the bid, from inception to submission.

While crucial, pricing is often just one factor among many, like quality, expertise, and timelines.

A PQQ is an initial screening step that assesses the suitability of potential suppliers before they're invited to bid.

Soft factors may include things like company culture, past experience, or social responsibility initiatives.

Start early, do your homework on the client, and make your proposal as clear and compelling as possible.

It's a set of metrics used by the buyer to assess and compare the bids received.

Usually, no—once it's in, it's in. Make sure you've triple-checked everything before submitting.

The executive summary should include your solution, benefits, pricing, and why you're the best choice.

It's the choice a company makes to either participate in a tendering process or pass it up.

An RFP asks for a comprehensive solution and pricing, while an RFQ simply asks for itemized costs.

It varies, but bidding can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months, depending on the complexity and requirements.

Bid writing is the process of creating a detailed proposal to secure a contract, often through a competitive tendering process.

Bid management ensures that proposals are submitted on time, meet criteria, and are competitive enough to win contracts.