What buyers usually ask for
- Methodology and program
- Key personnel and subcontractors
- WHS, including SWMS for high risk work
- Quality, ITPs and environmental management
- Insurances, licences and prequalification
- Detailed pricing schedules
How to stand out
- Tie the program to the scope and site constraints
- Name the project manager and site supervisor
- Show similar projects with values and referees
- Check prequalification needs, such as state supplier registers
Where to find them
Check AusTender, your state portal and council tender pages. See where to find tenders in Australia.
A go or no go check for this kind of work
- Can you staff the sites at the hours and frequencies asked?
- Do you hold the insurances and any licences required?
- Do you have a similar contract to show, with a referee?
- Can you meet the response times and reporting?
- Does the price allow for travel, plant and supervision?
Common mistakes
- Pricing a lump sum when the schedule asks for rates
- A methodology that does not match the staffing in the price
- Ignoring transition from the current supplier
- Missing site specific risks
Building tenders and government construction tenders
People search for this work in different ways: construction tenders, building tenders, civil construction tenders and government construction tenders. The process is much the same. Government construction work is published on AusTender, state portals and council sites, and larger jobs often need prequalification first. Private building tenders usually come by invitation from developers, builders and property owners.
Questions
Do I need special certifications for construction and civil tenders?
It depends on the buyer and the work. Check the mandatory requirements in each tender; some ask for quality, safety or environmental systems.
Can a small construction and civil business win government tenders?
Yes. Many contracts are sized for small and medium businesses. Choose tenders that match your capacity and location.
What makes a methodology stand out for this work?
Specific numbers for crews, frequencies and response times, tied to the actual sites in the tender.
Should I visit the sites before pricing?
Yes, when you can. Site visits often reveal access, size and condition issues that change the price.