10 Common mistakes to avoid when applying for a govt. tender

Applying for government tenders can be an excellent way for businesses to secure long-term contracts and establish a stable revenue stream. However, the process of applying for a government tender can be complicated, and it's easy to make mistakes that can cost you the opportunity to secure the contract.  So, the question is, what are the common mistakes that businesses make when bidding for government tenders, and how can they be avoided? To increase the chances of winning a government tender, it is essential to avoid such mistakes.

Let us take a closer look at the top 10 mistakes businesses make when applying for government tenders and provide practical advise on how to avoid them. Whether you're a small business owner or an experienced government tender applicant, we’ll provide you with valuable insights to help you understand government procurement and increase your chances of success.

Top 10 common mistakes to avoid when applying for a government tender

Mistake 1: Not reading the tender requirements thoroughly

• One of the most common mistakes businesses make is failing to thoroughly read and understand the tender requirements.
• This can lead to the submission of a bid that does not meet the scope of work outlined in the tender document, which will result in automatic rejection.
• To avoid this mistake, take the time to carefully read the entire tender document and ensure you understand all of the requirements. If there are any questions or ambiguities, reach out to the relevant authorities for clarification.  

Mistake 2: Ignoring the deadline for submission

• Another common mistake is not paying attention to the deadline for submission.
• Late submissions will not be considered, regardless of the quality of the bid.
• The opening and closing dates are mentioned in the tender document. Ensure you submit your bid proposal before the last date (to avoid any technical glitch). Also, considering the tendering process has moved online, there is no scope for submitting tender applications after the due date. 
• To avoid this mistake, ensure you are aware of the submission deadline and have a plan to confirm the bid is submitted on time. 

Mistake 3: Not tailoring your bid to meet the tender requirements

• A significant mistake is not tailoring your bid to meet the specific requirements outlined in the tender document.
• This can result in a generic bid that does not stand out from the competition.
• To avoid this mistake, take the time to tailor your bid to the specific requirements outlined in the tender document. Highlight your unique selling points and demonstrate how your business can meet the scope of work outlined in the tender. 

Mistake 4: Failing to provide adequate support documentation

• The lack of adequate support documentation is another common mistake.
• This can result in a bid that does not provide the necessary information to evaluate the capabilities of your business.
• To avoid this mistake, ensure you provide all of the required support documentation, such as certifications, references, and financial statements. 

Mistake 5: Not providing a competitive price

• A significant mistake is not providing a competitive price.
• This can result in a bid that is too expensive and not considered by the evaluating authorities.
• To avoid this mistake, research the competition and ensure your bid is competitively priced. Consider the cost of materials, labour, and overhead expenses when determining your bid price.  

Mistake 6: Not taking the time to research the competition

• Not taking the time to research the competition is another common mistake.
• This can result in a bid that is not informed by the current market conditions and competition.
• To avoid this mistake, research the competition and determine what makes your business unique. This information can be used to tailor your bid and increase your chances of winning the government tender.

Mistake 7: Not having a strong network and work references

• A lack of strong work references and a network can be a significant disadvantage when bidding for government tenders.
• This can result in a bid that is not considered or not given the same level of consideration as bids from businesses with stronger networks.
• To avoid this mistake, build a strong work network and furnish relevant references, work experiences, and case studies in your tender application. This will increase your chances of being considered for future tenders.

Mistake 8: Not preparing for the tender interview

• Not preparing for the tender interview is another common mistake.
• It can result in poor performance during the interview, reducing the chances of your bid being selected.
• To avoid this mistake, prepare for the tender interview by researching the evaluating authorities and the tender requirements. Practice answering questions related to your bid and be ready to provide additional information and clarification as needed.

Mistake 9: Failing to address the evaluation criteria

• Another mistake is failing to address the evaluation criteria outlined in the tender document.
• This can result in a bid that does not meet the requirements of the evaluating authorities and is not considered for selection.
• To avoid this mistake, make sure you understand the evaluation criteria and address each one in your bid. Highlight how your business meets the requirements and demonstrate your capabilities to meet the scope of work outlined in the tender.

Mistake 10: Not following up after submitting the bid

• Another common mistake is not following up after submitting the bid.
• This can result in a lack of feedback and an increased risk of not being selected.
• To avoid this mistake, ensure you follow up after submitting the bid. Request feedback and ask, if any additional requirements or information are needed to complete the evaluation process. The tender status section on the CPP portal reflects the status of every tender. So, ensure you check the status consistenly and follow-up where required.

By avoiding these 10 common mistakes, businesses can increase their chances of success when bidding for government tenders. 

Government tenders can be a valuable opportunity for businesses to secure new contracts and grow their operations, but it's essential to approach the bidding process with care and preparation. Further, ensure you understand the tender requirements, tailor your bid to meet the specific requirements, provide adequate support documentation, and follow up after submitting the bid.