Top tips when submitting a tender return

1. Please note that all Suppliers bidding or tendering for Council opportunities are required to be registered on the Central Digital Platform (“CDP”) (https://www.gov.uk/find-a-tender). The CDP is the place for suppliers to find out what opportunities are coming along that they might wish to bid for, as well as details on contracts that have been let, how contracts are being changed and other useful information. Additionally, suppliers will use the central digital platform to register, input and then share their commonly used information as part of the procurement, saving time and effort in duplicating information across multiple bids. You will need to provide a share code in the Form of Undertaking at the end of this document, or confirmation that a PDF download has been included in your submission.
2. Allow plenty of time to submit your return. All returns must be submitted via the E-Tendering system by the deadline, tender returns will not be accepted as a document attachment via the E-Tendering system or via email.
3. Ensure your response(s) is within the boxes provided. Any detail that has been included in a document that was included in the tender pack for information purposes only will not be taken into consideration or scored. Always ensure you submit your return in the format requested.
4. Use facts, figures and measurable evidence where you have it to support your response. If you are setting targets, ensure these are clear and realistic.
5. Ensure you read and understand all the tender documents that have been provided. These documents will explain and support how you should complete your return. If you are unsure on anything, you must ask your question via the correspondence tab on the E-Tendering system. Please see our CSW-Jets Guidance on how to do this.
6. Identify ways you can add added value to your return, this could be in the way you offer to provide the goods/service or what you may offer additionally that is beneficial for either the service or city.
7. Always double check all your documentation before submitting. This is incredibly important to ensure there have been no typing errors that may mislead or cause confusion in what you are offering as tenderer, ensure you have signed all required documentation.

For further information please see our guide to working with Coventry City Council.