What to Include in a Winning Tender Submission

Sep 9, 2025

Writing a tender isn’t just about meeting compliance – it’s about standing out. A well-crafted tender response can be the difference between winning or losing a project. So, what are the key elements every tender document should include?

Key Points

  • Clear Win Strategy: Tailor your response to reflect the specific needs and values of the client. One-size-fits-all won’t cut it.
  • Compliance Checklist: Always match the submission to the tender requirements – from format to mandatory attachments.
  • Value Propositions: Highlight your unique strengths. What makes your team the right fit? Where have you added value in similar projects?
  • Realistic Costing and Programming: Ensure your estimates are aligned with the scope and risk. Unrealistic budgets raise red flags.
  • Design and Packaging: First impressions count. Professionally designed, well-written, and visually clear tenders perform better.
  • Post-Tender Debriefs: Always seek feedback. Winning is great, but losing offers insight too.