1. Don’t skip the basics
Just like with a paper proposal, you’ll want to make sure to complete some basic best practices. This includes doing research, following all the instructions, and turning the bid in on time. While eBidding does facilitate quick replies, businesses that take the time to research what’s most important to the department or procurement agent will find themselves with a more focused and detailed proposal. Additionally, following the instructions and meeting the deadline will help the procurement agent confirm you match their needs and are serious about securing the job. 

2. Customize for the best connection
eBidding allows businesses to take previous proposals and copy/paste information into each new bid. While this may work for some line items, it’s certainly not a best practice for the entire proposal. Customize your proposal to make the best connection with the procurement agent. This will prove that you are paying attention and not just bidding for the sake of bidding. Customize by addressing the procurement agent and department by name, tweaking your content and language to be specific to this project, and linking out (Yeah, you can use links in an eBid!) to similar projects you’ve completed.

3. Review, review, review
Have you ever shot off a quick email or text message and then realized you had a few typos? It might not be a big deal with family or friends but is certainly not ideal for professional communication. The temptation to click submit right after filling out an eBid can be tremendous, especially when you are excited to win the RFP. Stop! Make sure to proofread and review your bid before submitting it. Just like with a paper proposal, you may want a co-worker to review it or come back the next day with fresh eyes and proofread it yourself. Spelling, punctuation, grammar, and specialized industry terms should all be used properly. If there are simple proofing errors in your proposal a procurement agent may feel like you’ll rush through their project without attention to detail as well, so make sure to review before you submit.

Your winning eBid
Learning how to write an RFP and submit online is easy! In order to increase your chances of landing that next eBid, follow these three simple steps. Complete the basics like a professional, customize the content to stand out, and review before clicking send. These small changes can make all the difference in winning an eBid.  

What best practices have you found for creating your eBids?

The post Three Steps to a Winning eBid appeared first on DemandStar | Government Contract Bids, RFPs & Procurement.

Submitting a construction bid to a government agency can be a long and exhaustive process. If you’re going to take the time and effort to put your hat in the ring for a state, local, and education (SLED) project, you might as well put your best foot forward. It’s common for government agencies to award contracts to vendors with whom they have worked before. After all, these frequently used contractors know the work, and re-engaging them might be the easiest path forward for government procurement agents. In order to catch their attention and gain consideration, your bid will need to be exceptional. Keep these five components in mind for a successful submission to a request for proposal (RFP): 

1. Do your research
Before submitting a bid, it’s a good idea to research the government department posting the RFP and past construction projects. What you learn will provide valuable information and insights to help inform what strategies you’ll use to complete the requested project. 

2. Look up regulations
Government projects may have different regulations than private sector projects. Make sure you look up all regulations for not only the specific government agency but for the city, county, and state. It’s important that your bid take all regulations including state-specific EPA guidelines into account since obviously, a government procurement agent won’t be able to move forward with your bid if the final product will be out of compliance.

3. Provide a detailed scope of work and schedule
Read the RFP carefully and then provide a detailed scope of work including a realistic timeline. This will communicate that you understand the project and are able and prepared to take the necessary steps to complete it properly and in a timely manner.

4. Be upfront about cost
Provide a thorough estimate that includes costs for materials, labor, specialized equipment, and if you require a deposit. By communicating clearly about the cost you allow the government procurement agent to determine if your bid fits within budget and compare its competitiveness with other bids.

5. Provide examples
Even if you haven’t done government work before, you likely have examples of similar construction work. Provide samples that demonstrate how your experience in other similar projects will be an asset to the upcoming work. 

Let the bidding begin!
Government procurement agents have a lot on their plate. In order to make your bid stand out, it’s important that it completely addresses all aspects of the RFP, communicates scope and costs clearly, and establishes your competencies in the specific area of construction. Making sure your construction bid includes these five key components will increase the likelihood of getting through the selection process.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ben Vaught is president and CEO of e-bidding software company DemandStar. He founded DemandStar as an independent firm to continue growing a network of government buyers and suppliers. Previously, he was director of government initiatives at Onvia, a public-sector business intelligence firm. He holds an MBA from the University of Washington Foster School of Business and dual bachelor’s degrees in English and government from Georgetown University.

The post Five Key Components of a Successful Construction Bid appeared first on DemandStar | Government Contract Bids, RFPs & Procurement.