Finding Tenders Online (Australia)

This article will provide some basic information on finding tenders online in Australia.

Government tenders online

• New South Wales - https://www.tenders.nsw.gov.au/

• Queensland - https://etender.hpw.qld.gov.au/

• Victoria - https://www.tenders.vic.gov.au/

• South Australia - https://www.tenders.sa.gov.au/

• Western Australia - https://www.tenders.wa.gov.au/watenders/index.do

• Tasmania - https://www.tenders.tas.gov.au/

• Northern Territory – https://tendersonline.nt.gov.au/Tender/List/#!/Current

• Australian Capital Territory - https://www.tenders.act.gov.au/

Tender opportunities are also available on most local Council websites or tender sites such as ICN (https://gateway.icn.org.au/) or the Local Buy tender site for most Queensland Council tenders (https://www.lgtenderbox.com.au/welcome).

Setting up tender alerts

Generally, subscribing to a Government Tender site does not require any payment and can be used for free. After registering, set up tender keywords that are applicable to your business. For example, if you own a cleaning business then you can use keyword such as “cleaning” or “facilities maintenance” to search for tenders. It is advisable to use as many tender search keywords as you can so you do not miss out on tender alerts. Depending on your potential client, they may refer to tenders differently. For example, recruitment tenders can be titled simply as “Recruitment Tender” or as “Human Resources” by an organisation. Both may be a recruitment tender but have used different terms. Consider using as many synonyms for your tender alerts.

Most (if not all) Government tender sites will provide a Forward Procurement schedule outlining potential, upcoming tenders. Checking for these Forward Procurement (or projected) schedules will help you plan your business and prepare for these tenders. For example, if you are aware of a potential tender being issued to market in six months’ time, you can commence writing (or refreshing) standard tender content such as:

• Company capabilities

• Project personnel profiles or resumes

• Cover letter

• Structure (“bones”) of your Executive Summary

• Methodology (if your tender is straightforward)

You can potentially also begin looking at your tender price offer strategy and how you can add value through a competitive offer.

Of course, always customise your response. However, kicking off some of the above standard content will save you a lot of time (and stress!) once the tender is issued.

There are also a number of paid tender alert websites which can be found online with tiered pricing levels to suit your business needs.

For more advice on tenders, please email Annie on annie@writersblockadvisory.com.au