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How to know what’s available
The NT Government has an online portal that allows anyone to see all the open opportunities to tender.
You can find it here:
Quotation and Tenders Online (QTOL)
You can use the search tool to find opportunities relevant to you and your business. There are options to search against different criteria, key words or location.
You are also able to see closed tenders and which business were successful under Awarded Contracts.
Other action you can take to find value contracts:
- Keep updated with the NT Government Tender Forecast, which identifies large procurement activities planned for the next 5 years. You can login and request to be notified when the opportunity becomes available.
- Register for Quotations and Tenders Online; this is where public tenders are advertised. By creating an account for your business, you can set up email notifiers for tenders released for specific agencies, types of works, regions and more.
- If you are a contractor in the building and construction industries, you can gain industry accreditation with Contractor Accreditation Limited. This accreditation is a prerequisite for some higher-value works.
How to Tender
Preparing and submitting a tender can be a tricky process if you have never done it before.
Here is a summary of what you need to know.
For more detailed information we encourage you to access the Tendering Guide for the most up to date information:
Set up a profile on QTOL.
This will make it easier to fill in future applications as well as search for and be notified of opportunities. If you have a profile your pre-filled business information links to any quotations you submit.
There is online training and information available if you have not tendered before:
It is likely you will need to provide a written tender submission that addresses particular requirements as well as a quote to be considered for Government work.
The requirements are outlined in documents called a Request for Tender (RFT). You will be able to find these documents on the QTOL website and are available for download.
As you consider each tender opportunity be sure to carefully:
- Review the requirements of the downloaded documentation for which you will need to prepare a response and submit
- Check if you are required to have industry accreditation with Contractor Accreditation Limited. If so check if you have it in the right category and group
- Consider the Assessment criteria which the Government uses to decide who to give the tender to.
- Ask if you need further information. You are welcome to email the Enquiries Officer to ask any questions.
- Know if you need to attend a briefing or site inspection to be eligible to tender.
- Decide if this tender opportunity is for you. To give yourself the best chance at success you will need to dedicate the appropriate time to submit a quality and comprehensive submission that responds to all submission criteria.
- Begin to plan your response.
Give yourself the best chance at being successful with your tender by submitting your full response within the required time frame.
Read the full Tendering Guide which details lots of information which may be helpful in writing your response.
Remember, you can always ask questions if you are unsure.
Steps to developing a tender:
- Include all the documents required to be submitted as part of your tender response
- Make sure you respond to all criteria
- Ensure your offer is competitively priced
- If required, check that you hold industry accreditation from Contractor Accreditation Limited in the right category, group and money value.
- Sign and check all your forms. Submit your tender using QTOL before the closing date and time.
There are templates to use, which is the preferred response by the NT Government.
After you submit your tender, you will receive a confirmation that your submission has been received.
Your documentation will be reviewed against the requirements in the conditions of tendering. If you meet all these requirements your tender may be assessed.
Note:
if you are not eligible to proceed in the process it is called ‘inadmissible’ and you will be notified in writing. You can appeal this decision through the Procurement Appeals Board.
You may be asked for additional information, or be required to meet with the assessment panel as part of the decision making process.
You can find out more about who will be assessing your submission and how it is assessed in the tendering guide.
The assessors will be considering who is the best individual or business for the job, who provides the best value for the Territory.
Notifications of outcomes will only be sent once all the submissions have been assessed.
If you are successful, you will be notified in writing, which will outline the next steps in the process.
If you are unsuccessful, you can request feedback on your submission from the assessment panel. This is a great way to help you with future submissions.
Government tendering is generally highly competitive and usually results in more unsuccessful notifications than successful. Asking for feedback will help you in your next submission and is encouraged by the NT Government.
There are rules that you need to be aware of regarding quoting, tendering and contracts that keep the process fair, equitable and in line with Government policy.
Explore more information of tendering:
This is a summary and overview of how tendering works. There is an online tool with more detailed information which we encourage you to read which includes information to help you develop a professional tender.
Tips and tricks for being successful in tendering with the NT Government
Writing a tender
- Structure your application around the detailed criteria
- Make sure you respond to all the required questions and tailor your responses to suit any parts of the listed works. Make sure your claims against each requirement is clear and concise. Ensure your claims can be proven.
- Make it clear that you can do the works and explain how you will do it. Draw on previous experiences to provide examples of your capability and experience as evidence.
- Be direct and clear in your writing, no need to overexplain.
- When writing about your past performance be specific about what you did. Don’t just describe the problem or issue; it is useful to provide examples that are similar to the required works, avoid using examples that are nothing like this particular project.
- Set yourself apart by emphasising areas where you exceed the requirements and where you feel you can add extra value by how and what you do.
- If required, make sure you are registered and up to date with Contractor Accreditation Limited
Pricing
NT Government is looking for best value, in line with tendering policy. If you competitively price your quote, that will give you the best chance of being successful. This doesn’t mean you need to underquote, as quality of work and experience also are considered. If you explain how and why you have quoted, this will help in your assessment.
Get your documents and evidence right
If you are asked to provide contact details for referees make sure they know about your tender application, the scope of works and agree to be a referee for you. A good idea is to use past performance referees to show the assessors that you are capable of delivering this type of work.
Make sure you have provided everything you need, including signing the appropriate forms and be sure to submit your tender on time.
