Who buys, and where engineering tenders are advertised
Australian Government professional services are published on AusTender and often bought through panels. States, councils and universities publish on their own portals.
See where to find tenders in Australia for every official portal.
What buyers usually ask for
- Your understanding of the problem and proposed approach
- Named key people, their CVs and time on the job
- Similar engagements, with outcomes and referees
- Rates, fees and how you control cost
- How you manage conflicts of interest and confidentiality
- Quality assurance and reporting
Common knock outs to check first
- Professional indemnity insurance at the level asked
- Conflict of interest declarations
- Required registrations or professional memberships
- Page limits and response templates
Read our guide to tender knock outs for how to find them all.
How to stand out in legal services tenders
- Lead with how you will solve their problem, not your company history
- Name the people who will do the work and keep them on it
- Give one or two strong case studies rather than a long list
- Show a clear fee structure that matches their pricing form
Before you decide to bid
Check you can meet every mandatory requirement, that the size and location suit you, and that you have a similar job and a referee to show. If three answers are no, it is usually one to walk away from. Use our go or no go questions.
Questions
Can we swap key people after we win?
Usually only with the buyer's approval. Name people who will do the work, because changing them can breach the contract.
Can a small business win consulting tenders?
Yes. Many contracts are sized for small and medium businesses, and some buyers have policies that support them. Pick tenders that match your capacity, and prove every claim with past work and referees.