10 Essential Questions SMEs Should Ask at a Tender Briefing Meeting

When responding to a Request for Tender (RFT), businesses must fully understand the requirements and expectations outlined by the issuing company or government agency. A tender briefing meeting provides an invaluable opportunity to gather insights that can strengthen your bid.

Here are 10 critical questions you can ask during the briefing meeting to enhance your chances of winning the tender:

1. What are your key objectives and goals for this tender process?

👉 Why ask this? Understanding the issuer's primary goals allows you to align your proposal with their specific needs, increasing your chances of success.

2. Can you clarify the evaluation criteria and weightings?

👉 Why ask this? Knowing how proposals are assessed ensures that you focus on the most important elements of your submission.

3. What are the most common mistakes made by previous tender respondents?

👉 Why ask this? Learning from past errors can help you avoid common pitfalls and submit a stronger proposal.

4. Are there specific technical or operational requirements we should be aware of?

👉 Why ask this? Ensuring compliance with technical specifications is essential for a successful bid.

5. What is the expected timeline for the tender process, including evaluation and decision-making?

👉 Why ask this? Understanding deadlines helps you plan your submission and set realistic expectations for feedback and contract awards.

6. What are the budget constraints or financial expectations for this tender?

👉 Why ask this? A clear understanding of budget limitations allows you to craft a financially competitive yet viable proposal.

7. Are there preferred or required partnerships, subcontractors, or suppliers?

👉 Why ask this? Identifying preferred partners early can help you build a stronger bidding team that meets the issuer's expectations.

8. What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or success metrics for this project?

👉 Why ask this? Aligning your proposal with measurable success criteria increases your likelihood of meeting the issuer's requirements.

9. Is there flexibility in contract terms, or are they fixed?

👉 Why ask this? Understanding contract flexibility helps in negotiation and risk management.

10. Can you provide examples of successful tenders or relevant case studies?

👉 Why ask this? Reviewing past winning proposals offers valuable insights into what the issuer values most.

Final Thoughts: How to Win More Tenders

Winning an RFT bid isn’t just about offering the best solution—it’s about understanding the process, meeting evaluation criteria, and avoiding common mistakes. By asking these questions at the briefing meeting, SMEs can improve their tendering strategies, increase success rates, and secure more profitable contracts.

🚀 Key Takeaway: Take the time to plan, prepare, and perfect your response—because every bid is an opportunity to grow your business.

Need Help with Your Next Bid?

The team at Bid Wizard is here to assist! Reach out to the team today to boost your chances of securing your next contract.

BW!