Feature: E-tendering – a key medium to pick up business

With 2012 drawing closer and big companies ever refining the methods they use to deal with suppliers, e-tendering is very much a part of what will become day-to-day supplier client relations.

E-tendering is very simply when an organisation puts out a brief online. Two sections need to be filled out accurately and e-mailed back before the deadline. Typically, the e-tender will contain corporate and product sections to be completed and returned within a specific deadline.

E-tenders may contain different sections, which can include one on a potential supplier’s corporate details. This generally includes information such as financial background, company structure, quality systems, management systems, key skills of the organisation’s employees, any specific accreditation for example ISO 9000, client lists and client testimonials. These are the standard check-list items companies want in any normal tender.

It’s really important to have all this information stored in one place for easy reference, as you will need to reuse it frequently. Companies require all this information for their selection processes. It helps them filter the companies they want to work with when faced with hundreds of suppliers for any one tender.

The second section is the presentation of your quote to the company which put out the e-tender. It goes without saying that accuracy and due diligence are essential in every aspect of filling out the brief. Always respond to RFIs (request for information) if you require more details about the criteria of the tender. It can only increase your chances of being chosen as a supplier. See it as a positive way of winning business, do ask questions and ensure you know exactly what key selection criteria are for the tender.

E-tendering is really about showing that you’re reliable, organised and have a good track record. We all work so hard in this industry and e-tendering can offer you a structured platform to illustrate your success and potential.

For any more information about how to e-tender contact the BPMA on enquiries@bpma.co.uk

Visit www.london2012.com and look under ‘current tenders’ for opportunities.