What is an Invitation to Tender (ITT)?
An invitation to tender, or ITT, is a formal document distributed by the buyer which formally invites suppliers to bid for a contract of works (goods or services). It can be known as a call for bids or a request for tender.
An ITT is quite simply an offer for a supplier to apply to win the work. It is not a guarantee that the work will be awarded to the supplier. Indeed, ITT’s are usually distributed to up to a dozen organisations who the buyer believes may be capable of fulfilling the work.
Sometimes an ITT follows a PQQ (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire) which acts as a pre-screening stage to ensure that those invited to tender meet certain criteria. This is particularly common in the public sector.
Invitations to tender will usually be issued via email or through an online portal.
What is the difference between an Open ITT versus a Closed ITT?
An open ITT means that any vendor who can provide a guarantee of performance may offer their goods or services. A closed or restricted ITT means that vendors have been pre-selected or qualified through a process such as an expression of interest or PQQ. In this case only those who have ‘qualified’ are eligible to tender.
What does an ITT look like?
There is no set template for an ITT. The information contained within them very much depends upon the industry within which the Buyer operates. Broadly speaking, most ITTs will contain the following:
1. Introduction and overview
This may include detail on the company and background to the project.
2. Scope of work
The detail behind the goods or services that the Buyer wishes to purchase. The length of this section will often be dependent upon the complexity of the goods / services required. For example, it could include technical aspects, especially within sectors such as the construction industry, where technical drawings and plans may be required.
3. The tender process
This could include detail on the various stages of the tender process and anticipated timeframes, such as deadlines for submission and planned contract implementation date.
4. Assessment
The assessment is likely to take multiple factors into consideration. This could include:
- Commercial aspects such as price or contractual compliance
- Service capability such as ability to deliver, quality of provision
- Longer-term factors such as the ability to add value in other areas, strategic fit for the organisation
- Financial aspects such as the company’s financial track record
- Level of compliance with the ITT (did they understand all aspects of the ITT, is the bid in accordance with the instructions, have they adhered to timescales)
5. Conditions of contract
Outlining specific aspects of the contract which should be acknowledged upfront.
6. Feedback policy
The method by which feedback will be provided to bidders, usually including timeframes.
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Syed Hasan
Accounts Manager
We engaged Bid Writing Service to support our submission for the GMC tender, aiming to drive potential growth for our business. While we are still awaiting the final outcome, we can confidently say the service has been excellent and well worth the investment. Special thanks to Jessica, Peter, and Francesca, whose professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail greatly contributed to the strength of our submission. Their collaborative approach and expertise made the entire process smooth and reassuring. Highly recommended for any organisation seeking expert bid support.
Office Staff
I recently had the pleasure of working with BWS on a bid, and I wanted to share my overwhelmingly positive experience. Their expertise and guidance were truly exceptional and instrumental in our success. Throughout the entire process, BWS provided unwavering support and demonstrated an impressive depth of industry knowledge. I genuinely believe their contributions were the key to our successful bid. Without hesitation, I would wholeheartedly recommend BWS and certainly plan to collaborate with them again in the future.
Andrew Hobbs
We engaged Bid Writing Service to support us in responding to a public tender opportunity. The service provided was simply exceptional. Well organised, proactive and responsive, accurate, punctual and of course very well written. This is a quality company with some really excellent client facing members of staff. Thank you Rhiannon, Francesca, Thea, Georgia and Lauren. Brilliant first impression and thoroughly recommended !!
Joseph Palmer
We've been working with Lauren and Rhiannon at Bid Writing Service for a few months now and they have been great! They are super responsive to emails and are always there to guide/support us through the process. As soon as a tender get released that matches our industry Lauren sends it straight over even if it's an evening or weekend so we have piece of mind knowing we won't miss any tenders! Thank you Lauren & Rhiannon
Ross Nicholson
Rhiannon was very switched on when it came to giving our company advice around bid writing. She produced drafts in a swift and professional manner which was important to us when the deadline was approaching fast.
Vanessa Varoujian
Incredibly professional, responsive and dedicated. Great to have a team who take the time to get to know the business and our ethos, and understand the pressures of tender and bid writing for a small organisation.
Vinceo Ferlita
Crown ices Ltd.
One of the best companies we have worked with. From our first conversation to the completed work. Always on hand for any questions we had, very knowledgeable and timely. Would use again and would highly recommend. Thank you for your hard work and such excellent service. Crown ices Ltd.
James Barber
I can not recommend BWS highly enough. Our first call with Luke was professional and built an immediate trust in the business. Lauren then took on our project at short notice with a 48 hour turn around time. She went above and beyond to ensure it was completed on time. We are now going to have a conversation about building a bid library and them becoming our exclusive supplier.
Chris C
Lauren from BWS went above and beyond to support us with our tender on extremely short notice. Her dedication, professionalism, and willingness to assist at all hours were second to none. Lauren's expertise and responsiveness made what could have been a stressful process smooth and efficient. I cannot recommend her highly enough for anyone needing reliable and high-quality support.
GMS SERVICES LTD
We have used BWS to assist with our bid writing services. Not only does this provide us with vital resources when there are multiple tenders we want to bid for, it also provides a quality bid which is written by engaging bid writers who are interested in our business and helping us succeed. They become a part of our business. We would highly recommend their services and many thanks to George Flower who has delivered a brilliant service for us.
Andrea Gascoigne
Recently won a nice project with the help of BWS, found them easy to work with and will use again.
Barry Chapman
We used this company as part of our growth strategy, in that they, and I mean Lauren Moorhouse as their lead, created from scratch a comprehensive Bid Library. This is an excellent process to begin this new phase of our development, to gain more work and raising our branding profile. The whole system, was great to see how it grew into the formidable tool that it is, which we now have at our disposal, with an increase in our confidence to bolster our turnover.
B&E Boys
We employed BWS to assist with our bid writing and knowledge management resources. The team were always very professional and flexible in working around our schedules whilst maintaining agreed deadlines. We would recommend BWS to others who are looking for a ‘fresh set of eyes’ on any business development material. We will be working with BWS in the future.
Matt Webb
We engaged with BWS to assist with a bid on a civils project and were very pleased with the work they delivered. There was always clear communication and documents were produced within the agreed timeframes and cost. Being the first time working with a bid writing company they immediately put as at ease and gave us confidence that our submission was as strong as possible which gave us the best chance. Thanks to all the team at BWS!
Nick Heath
Compass Fuel
We dived into the world of tenders, and Lauren made the process fairly simple for novices like ourselves. Wouldnt hesitate to use their services again. Nick Heath - Compass Fuel
Josh Lownsborough
Working with Kyle has been a pleasure , He has been working weekends and evenings to get the job ready in time, His responses are superb and he is a real professional at his job. I hope we win the contract and I will certainly use Kyle again in the future
Matt
My organisation has only recently started working with BWS and we have already seen a win! The team are always professional and work around my schedule. We will continue to work with BWS for future bids, thanks BWS team!
Tracey Gordon
Excellent, efficient and professional service from Lauren & Rhiannon. Would 100% recommend and will definitely use again.
James Bell
Great service. Quick turnaround and well written bid. Fingers crossed for a successful tender outcome.
Chris Davy
We used BWS and found them very quick and efficient, well worth using and will do again
Anele Griessel
Rhiannon was friendly, listened, and clarified our questions. Thank you very much
Mirela Stefan