Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1029836
W EEKLY EDITION SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 The Art of Bidding: Understanding the Process KOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 Request an info rmation packet detailing the company's (or government entity's) procurement process and bid requirements. Complete and submit the supplier capability forms included in the packet they send. Include whatever supporting documentation you may need to verify y our business history, capacity, financial viability, and the product or service you provide. Understand that the content of the forms may vary depending on the industry or service you provide, so if your company contracts for portable restrooms and somethi ng related but different (think barricades, fencing, shower trailers, etc.) the packets you receive may look slightly different. Responding to a r equest for p roposals (RFP) Read thoroughly the request for bid proposal, or RFP, that you receive from prospec tive businesses. Know that these proposals will be detailed and failure to understand what the proposal is requiring can derail your chances at a successful bid. Go through the request line - by - line to identify what services need to be provided , in what time frame , and within what limits or restrictions your company might have to work. Ask for a meeting with the decision makers after you have reviewed the RFP. As a matter of policy, some firms or government entities may not be willing to meet with bidders during t he bidding process. Others may be eager to discuss their needs with you, giving you the opportunity to determine what may not be in their request – like whether cost savings is more important than value, their relationships with other bidders, etc. Begin y our bid submission with a summary of your company's qualifications and why you should win the contract. State how you intend to complete the job being contracted. Submit any paperwork requested by the RFP, ensuring that forms are complete, correct and sign ed. Include a listing of key personnel and subcontractors and their qualifications. Detail how you will meet the requirements of the RFP in the sequence that those requirements are requested. Include additional documentation, such as proof of insurance or certifications, as needed. Understanding the public bidding process Government entities and organizations receiving public funding often have to use a specific process for requesting, receiving, and evaluating bids. While each entity or state may have its own variation on the process, the public project bidding process generally follows these steps: CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 P AGE 8