Usually, whenever a small or large scale project becomes available, the NSW government chooses to send it to tender to allow all players an equal and fair opportunity at winning a contract. Not only does it give small and medium-sized businesses a chance at taking a step up the ladder, but it also eliminates any whispers of nepotism and favouritism on the side of the government.
But how does submitting a proposal for a NSW tender or any other state government work? And why should you take a chance at submitting a response? We’re here to answer your questions!
Is the tendering process the same for all states in Australia?
While there may be some minor differences in processes and requirements, for the most part, the tendering process will remain the same regardless of which state you’re working in.
Where to find current open tenders in NSW:
In NSW, the details of each government tender and how to apply are published on the official website: eTendering. Alternatively, you can also find state, territory and federal tenders all in one place with Bidsmith. Head on over to our open tenders page to find your next opportunity. Can’t find a tender that suits your needs? Sign up for our free Tender Notifications service which notifies you by email when a tender that suits your expertise becomes available.
What to do before you apply for a tender
Even before you start looking for a tender opportunity, make sure you have a few things sorted out. The first step is to get yourself registered as a supplier on this page on the official website: Apply for a Scheme. Depending upon the industry you work in, you may also be required to have certain licences, qualifications and certifications in order to qualify for a project. While the prerequisites for each industry will be different, there are a few things you should sort out regardless of the industry you work in:
- ABN: This one goes without saying. If you are not a registered business, your chances of qualifying for a contract are close to none.
- Financial Solvency: You will need to prove a sound financial standing and an ability to meet the requirements of any project without going bankrupt in the process. Bank statements, letters from an accountant are usually enough to prove this.
- Insurance: You will need to prove that your company and business is fully insured against any mishaps.
- Evidence of prior experience: It is a requirement in almost all tender documents to present evidence of prior work completed. Getting references from prior customers and organising a summary of the work you did for them well before you start working on your tender proposal will make the process more streamlined and quick.
- Executive summary: This will include a brief summary of your business and the services you provide, background on the management as well as brief introductions of key personnel within your company. It is safe to say that this will be required in every tender proposal you submit.
- Areas of expertise: You may provide a number of services, but may specialise in one or two. You may be required to list your areas of expertise, especially when applying for a tender in the construction sector.
Can small and medium-sized businesses apply for a government tender?
The NSW government has a stated commitment to allow small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and Aboriginal businesses to compete with larger corporations on the same playing field and is dedicated to giving more work to SMEs. The government has introduced rules that ensure that small businesses are paid quickly after the work is done. As a small business owner, you may know how important it is for the cash flow to remain steady to keep the business afloat.
According to buy.nsw, “NSW government spends over $30 billion each year on goods, services and infrastructure. We have an obligation to the people of NSW to spend this money fairly and efficiently. To this end, we encourage a diverse range of suppliers to apply for NSW Government work.”
So, it doesn’t matter how many employees you have working with you, how large or fancy your office is or whether your business is internationally recognised. All that matters is that you should meet the minimum requirements for a tender, have innovative solutions to the problem presented, possess a demonstrated ability to complete work as required and have some prior experience in your field.
Unsure if you fit any of the above requirements? Let Bidsmith’s expert team of professional tender proposal writers help. As former tender evaluators, we have been on both sides of the tendering process, allowing us unrivalled insight into how the process works. We know how to present your business in the best possible light and what it takes to set you apart from your competition. Talk to our representatives today to learn more about how we can help you win your first NSW tender.