Tender proposals are tricky to prepare, and there is no tried and tested template to follow when you submit a bid. Every tender will be different from the others in terms of questions, scoring, and weighting. You should take certain steps to win federal contracts and respond accordingly to make sure it clearly shows off what you're capable of and makes the buying authority take notice.

Here’s what you need to do to get a federal contract:

Prepare ahead of time

Stay on track to complete your tender response by the deadline.

As a result of this procedure, you can work backwards from the tender deadline, ensure all required documents are in order and current and plan enough time for proofreading before submission. Considering the process of submitting a tender can take quite some time. A day or two before the deadline, you should have your response ready.

Spread the word about the benefits

In order to win a federal contract, you should describe what you do, the costs, and the time it takes to complete the project as the first part of your tender response. Even though it's important to list the features of your product or service, you still need to highlight the benefits. Don't forget about the client. Get to know their needs, and help them in any way you can. Introducing yourself is a good way to show that you have the skills, experience, and organization to satisfy the client's needs.

Be sure to emphasize the impact

In order to sell the benefit of your solution, you need to do the following:

Be sure to consider the impact your solution will have beyond the scope of the contract.

It's easy to forget about looking at the current market, applicable legislation, or the social impact of the solution you're offering when writing tenders.

Arguments should be supported by evidence

Do you believe that your company excels at what you do? To win a federal contract, it must be proven. Making an assertion isn't enough. You have to go further. Give examples, statistics, awards you've won, charts, or other supporting information to support what you're saying. Be sure to demonstrate your abilities. Be aware that your buyer won't simply believe your word. Although you may have won a contract with them in the past, don't assume they will remember how well you performed last time. Every time they make a change, remind them to back up their data. Don't take it for granted that the buyer will just believe you. Whether you have worked with this authority before or not, do not assume that they will remember the last contract you won or how well you performed.

Personalize your message

Answering stock questions is a bad idea. In addition to standing out, it looks lazy.

Your responses should always be tailored to the particular bid. Make sure you read the questions carefully, answer them fully keeping the particular contracting authority in mind, then write, rewrite, and write your response again. Tenders are unique, as are buyers. Do not hesitate to ask a specific question if you are unsure! Questions may always be asked by the buyer. Knowing more about the bid will better prepare you to answer questions in the RFQ or tender document. Tenders and buyers are both unique. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you aren't sure what they mean! Asking questions is always an option. Knowledge of the bid will enhance your ability to answer the questions in a PQQ or tender document in a constructive manner.

Team up with the right people

If you decide to bid, you will have to decide how you will manage the process.

Small businesses and sole traders may not be able to form a full bid team but they can join hands with a contract advisor to win a federal contract. This is the best thing that you can do to secure a contract.

Take the price into account

Often suppliers assume that the lowest bid always wins in the tendering process. Under-pricing your solution is not only wrong, but it could actually damage your chances. Prices are rarely the deciding factor in most bids, but value for money is. If suppliers deliberately underprice, they run the risk of not being taken seriously, and of not being able to deliver the contract within the budget set. Additionally, the low price can give the impression that the solution is of low quality.

Talk to experts at FGCA

In order to win a federal contract, you must contact an experienced firm that can lend you a helping hand and boost your chances of getting the contract. FGCA, Federal Government Contract Advisor, is the best company for you. Talk to their experts and get ready to seal the deal!