The Writing Phase
Writing the Tender
Ideally, the writing phase should take no more than one-third of the time available to get a first draft of the response. By this stage you are two thirds through your journey.
Step 1
Issue a data request
Make sure everyone knows what they are required to give you, and by when.
Keep a list of the information you have asked for in a spreadsheet or some other collaboration tool.
Ask people to send you their information in a way that ensures it won’t get lost in your inbox. Asking them to upload them into a special-purpose folder is a good idea.
Check off what you receive as you get it.
Step 2
Prepare the template
Most Request documents give detailed evaluation criteria. Mirror the Request’s layout for the evaluation criteria as closely as possible.
If there is no response template provided, locate the evaluation criteria and base your structure on that. Don’t forget to put your business details up front, and include a table of content, page numbers, and a nice cover page with the name of the opportunity plus closing date and your company name.
Step 3
Write your first draft
Assemble the inputs into a compelling document that answers all the questions in sufficient detail for the evaluation committee to understand your value proposition.
Don’t assume the evaluation committee knows anything about you: they are not allowed to take tacit knowledge into consideration.
Ensure you present your response in the same order and structure as the tender document.
Leave plenty of time for review.
