Basics of Bidding

Whether you are submitting a simple price in response to a government solicitation or are submitting a more extensive technical proposal, there are some fundamental rules that you should follow:

• Make sure that the products and services you are offering meet the requirements set out in the solicitation. It is a common mistake for vendors to offer something better, something more cost effective, something different.  If it is not what is being solicited, your offer is non-responsive and will be rejected. If, of course, the government specifically allows alternate solutions or products, then you may have some flexibility in what you propose.
  
  
• Make sure that you complete and submit all the appropriate standardized forms.  The most frequent mistake by vendors is submitting the solicitation form back to the government unsigned. The next most common mistake is neglecting to attach another required form that had to be obtained elsewhere. Finally, it is a common error for vendors to not double check the forms and leave blanks where information should have been submitted.
  
  
• Make sure that your pricing is realistic. Pricing that is, on its face, unreasonably low or high will cause alarm in the evaluation of your offer.  Your pricing should be carefully constructed, fully loaded. You should research similar purchases by the government to get a feel for the market and what your competitors are charging.  In the end, you want to make a profit. Bidding a loss contract just to “get your foot in the door” is not a sound tactic.
  
  
• Proofread.  It is always advisable to have someone else proofread your offer when it is ready for submission, and edit it if necessary. Make sure that your offer is clear, concise and understandable. Simplicity and clarity will carry the day. If the government cannot understand it, if they have questions, they will probably not give you a second chance to explain yourself.
  
  
• Finally, seek out the assistance and advice of those with experience in putting together bids, including your nearest Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) Counselor.
  
  
  

· Contact a PTAC counselor ·