Is Formatting Important When it Comes to Tender Response Submissions?

Do you want to make your tender response submission really stand out? It's time to think about your formatting! Sure, many tenders are pretty prescriptive when it comes to the tender response schedules — but there are plenty of opportunities to make your submission shine.  

Here are my Top Tips:

  1. Use Headings as much as possible.  

No one wants to plough through three or four pages of your response to a specific question if it's just paragraph after paragraph. But if you break the information up into logical sections using headings and subheadings, your submission won't just look good — it'll be a lot easier to read.

2. Add images.  

If the tender response template permits it, add some images of your work, tour equipment, or your staff.

3. Include a table of contents.  

It makes it much easier for the evaluation panel to find the information quickly rather than wading through a pile of pages to find a specific area of your response.

4. Include a cover letter 

It should be a one or two-page overview that showcases your business and lets the tender evaluation panel know why you're the best candidate for the job.

5. Incorporate a supporting document with the tender response.  

Usually, you'll need to include one of these anyway to provide certificates of currency, policy statements, OH&S details, etc. So, make sure it's eye-catching.  

A nice cover page will make it stand out, and again, make sure you include a table of contents. If the response schedule is very restrictive, your supporting document is your opportunity to add all that extra stuff that you couldn't fit into the main response.

6. Always read the tender document carefully.

Take this as a word of caution because sometimes they will specify what you can and can't do as part of your tender submission, and you want to avoid blowing it just because you didn't read the guidelines.

7. Include diagrams and flowcharts.

And if you need to include an organisational chart, do yourself a favour and do it using Word's SmartArt feature to create a professional-looking org chart in next to no time.

Wrap Up

These are a few tips from me that you will find helpful. But if you'd like to chat a little more about what you can do to improve your tender response submissions, just call me at 0400 514579 for a chat, email me at pauline@tenderwise.com.au, or fill up the form here.  

Happy tendering and until next time! — Pauline