How to Spot a Weak Tender (Even If It Looks Polished)
A tender can look great on the surface — well written, nicely formatted, and technically compliant. But that doesn’t mean it will score well.
🚩 Looks Good, Scores Poorly
We’ve seen hundreds of tenders that “read well” but still miss the mark. Why? Because they don’t answer the questions in a way that convinces commissioners. Watch out for these warning signs:
- Too generic: Overuse of phrases like “we always strive” or “we are committed” with no specific examples.
- Policy over people: Long sections quoting policies without linking them to real practice or outcomes.
- Missing ‘how’: Lots of what and why — but no clear step-by-step on how it’s actually delivered.
- Disjointed voice: Cut-and-paste responses from past bids that don’t reflect this service or team.
🔍 Ask Yourself: Would I Trust This?
Put yourself in the commissioner’s shoes. Does this bid help you trust the provider with your service users? Is there a clear picture of the service in action — or just statements of intent?
💡 Strong Tenders Tell a Story
Winning bids link evidence, action, and values. They show not just what will be done, but how, by whom, and why it works. They make invisible quality visible.
💼 Rapid Support Products (fast turnaround options)
- ⚡ 48-Hour Tender Triage
- 🆘 Bid Rescue Session – 60 minutes
- ✍️ Score Booster – Tender Answer Rewrite
- 🧩 Tender Answer Blueprint
- 📝 Tender Proofreading & Light Editing
- 🔍 Pre-Tender Readiness Audit
- 📁 Tender Document Review
🚀 Need a Bid Writing Quote?
If you’re exploring support for an upcoming tender or framework, request a quick, no-obligation quote. I’ll review your documents and respond with:
- A clear scope of work
- Estimated days required
- A fixed fee quote
- Any risks, considerations or quick wins
🔁 Prefer Flexible Monthly Support?
If you regularly handle tenders, frameworks or call-offs, a Monthly Bid Support Retainer may be a better fit.
- Guaranteed hours each month (1, 2, 4 or 8 days)
- Discounted day rates vs ad-hoc consultancy
- Use time flexibly across bids, triage, library updates, renewals
- One-month rollover (fair-use rules applied)
- Cancel anytime before next billing date
🚀 Ready to Win Your Next Bid?
Chat on WhatsApp or email Mike.Harrison@impact-guru.co.uk
Updated for Procurement Act 2023 • CQC-aligned • BASE-aligned (where relevant)