Background

Tender Specification Development encompasses the preparation all document types including

• Expression of Interest – EOI
• Registration of Interest – ROI
• Request for Application – RFA
• Request for Documentation - RFD
• Request for Information – RFI
• Request for Offer - RFO
• Request for Proposal – RFP
• Request for Quotation – RFQ
• Request for Tender - RFT

Do you Need Assistance?

If you are actively seeking advice or assistance in relation to the development of a Tender Specification then we can assist you. We please contact us by phone on (03) 9331 2542 or Email to discuss your requirements.

To assist you in better understanding the process of managing a successful tender process we have prepared the following notes to getting you thinking.

The Tender Process and Business Analysis Disciplines

Tender specification development is a specialist discipline, which is often confused with the more generic field of business analysis.

Whilst developing a business requirements definition is a core component of the specification process it is nonetheless only one element of a broader road map to tender success.

To better understand the difference between the two interwoven disciplines consider the following comparison of tasks:

As you will note from the abridged comparison governance and high level supplier interfacing (among other factors) clearly delineates the Tender Process and Business Analysis streams.

Knowledge of Process

A complete Tender cycle consists of eight distinct stages which map into the commercial sales cycle.

Some of the key skills required to successfully navigate through all eight stages include

• Project / Program Development
• Pre-solicitation
• Vision & Value Proposition Definition
• Supplier Management
• Briefing Delivery
• Compliance Management
• Evaluation Team Leadership
• Industry Debriefing and Project/Program Closure

When building your Tender Specification Development team you should endeavour to ensure you secure consultants who possess these skills

Plan Types

In the context of tendering there are three main plan types:

• Fairness Plan
• Probity Plan
• Procurement Plan

As most organisations are familiar with probity and procurement plans we will take a brief moment to explain Fairness planning.

Fairness Planning

Fairness planning is the process of identifying and executing a series of project-orientated tasks the primary aim of which is to improve procurement outcomes.

Fairness planning is often part of a much broader organisational change program and as such is often managed in a contemporary manner.

For organisations that have not previously been through the fairness planning process the use of a linear approach tempered by change teams is the recommended path to follow.

All organisations should have a Fairness Plan in place especially if they are contemplating procurement via the tendering process.