Compliant bids in the construction industry
A tender (or bid) is a submission made by a prospective supplier (such as a contractor) in response to an invitation to tender (ITT) from a client. It makes an offer for the supply of goods or services.
If a prospective contractor or supplier submits a tender which meets the client's stipulated requirements, (ie the mandatory elements of the Invitation to Tender (ITT) have been satisfied) then that bidder is said to have submitted a compliant bid.
Guidance to prospective bidders is usually clear about the requirements, in terms of precise information required, word length, presentation format, requirement for images, etc. Simply put, full compliance means all material conditions of a tender must be complied with and the price submitted should be based on the client’s tender specification documents.
If a tender is not compliant it may be rejected.
The precise content of a tender will vary considerably, depending on the procurement route, however it might include:
- A tender return slip, with details of the contract, including information such as return address and tender checklist;
- A completed tender pricing document (or contract sum analysis on design and build projects);
- Schedules of rates;
- An initial construction phase plan;
- Any design proposals or method statements that have been requested;
- Programme;
- Procedures to be adopted, such as procurement procedures and cost management procedures;
- Demonstration of capability, for example design capability, systems used etc;
- A BIM execution plan - if building information modelling is being used;
- Key project personnel, which may require submission of CVs;
- Management organisation;
- Plant and labour resources and availability;
- Prior experience, and
- References
However, some circumstances may allow a tender to be accepted even if it does not comply. A non-compliant proposal, sometimes referred to as a variant bid, may be submitted if the tenderer believes that an alternative could offer better value for money. However, non-compliant proposals should only be submitted if they have been requested or are explicitly permitted by the client, and they may need to be accompanied by a compliant bid.
[edit] Ways to create a compliant tender:
- Answer the question i.e. state what is required under each question;
- Answer all the question(s);
- Do not exceed the required word length;
- Do not supply information that is not required, e.g if a tender requires brief personal profiles, do not submit full CVs unless these are explicitly asked for;
- Do not leave sections blank;
- Submit in the correct format, e.g PDF, Excel, Word etc where required;
- Submit on time, and to the correct person;
- Ensure that proposals satisfy the client's requirements.
- Ensure works are packaged in the way the client requires.
- Visit the site, and if permitted, ask questions to avoid misunderstandings.
- Provide pricing information in the format and breakdown requested.
See also: Common mistakes in construction tenders.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Best value.
- Bidder.
- Bid writer.
- Competitive tender.
- Contract award.
- Contract conditions.
- Contract documents.
- Due diligence when selecting contractors or subcontractors.
- Invitation to tender.
- Letter of award.
- Mid-tender interview.
- Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT).
- Pre-tender interview.
- Procurement route.
- Selection criteria.
- Tender documentation.
- Tender evaluation.
- Tender processes.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.