What is Selective Tendering?

You may have heard the term selective tendering bandied about by buyers and vendors alike. Indeed, depending on the nature of services you supply, it might be a term that you come across on a regular basis. But what does it actually mean?

Here at Your Tender Team, our tender writers are experts in every aspect of the tendering process. In this article, we will take a look at selective tendering – including what it means and how you can benefit from it.

What is selective tendering?

Selective tendering (sometimes known as restricted tendering) is a bidding process where only certain vendors can bid for the project. Specifically, these will be vendors that the buyer has personally invited to vie for the contract. Usually, these will be businesses that already have a proven track record of success with similar projects, often demonstrating a specific skill-set.

How does selective tendering work?

Once the buyer has put together their initial list of potential suppliers, they will begin the process by asking each of them if they are interested in tendering for the contract. Based on the answers they receive from the vendors, they will whittle these positive responders down to a smaller number (usually no more than six) and invite them to tender. The process thereafter is much the same as any tender bid.

Why opt for selective tendering?

There are many reasons that a buyer might take the selective tendering route to find the right contractors for the job. The most common is if the job involves specialist tasks that not every supplier is likely to provide. If the project involves complex services or dedicated machinery, it makes sense to restrict your search to suppliers who can show they have the experience and equipment required to meet the brief.

It is a way of weeding out tender applicants that a buyer knows would not be able to perform the job as advertised. Some businesses will tender for every contract, even ones that require specialist services. An open tender policy means these applications would have to be treated with the same care as one from seasoned industry experts, wasting everyone’s time in the process.

Here at Your Tender Team, we offer a tender writing service tailored to the specific needs of your company, including making yourself an attractive candidate for a selective tendering process. To find out what our tender writers can do for you, get in touch with us today on 0116 218 2700
for a free, no-obligation quote.