ITT (Invitation to Tender) in Construction

Invitation to tender, commonly referred to as ITT, is a key document that’s issued by clients of an upcoming construction project looking to invite suppliers to submit bids.

The invitation has several key purposes, such as outlining project specifications and stating the evaluation criteria that bidders must meet. Both clients and bidders benefit from fully understanding the process of ITT. To learn more, continue reading.

What is Invitation to Tender (ITT)?

An Invitation to Tender (ITT) is a formal document that’s issued by buyers to invite suppliers to submit bids for their construction projects.

Invitation to tender encourages a fair and open process, which allows clients to compare different proposals and decide on the best contractor to work with.

The ITT Process

The process of an Invitation to Tender follows several key steps before the best-suited contractor is chosen to execute the project. These steps ensure a streamlined process for the client to find the right contractor to work with.

Preparation

The initial stage of the process is preparation. At this stage, project requirements are defined, and details of the project are shared with potential suppliers.

Clients prepare tender documents to ensure suppliers are aware of the specifics of the project and deliverables. The documents will also state project timelines and completion dates, as well as any vital technical requirements.

Distribution

Once the initial preparation stage is complete and all potential suppliers are aware of the project requirements, the ITT documents are distributed to pre-qualified suppliers or made publicly available. At Compliance Chain, suppliers are already pre-qualified via our platform.

Clarification

If potential suppliers find certain aspects of tender documents to be unclear, they can ask any questions they might have to seek clarification. It’s important that suppliers are aware of project requirements and fully understand any information within the documents.

At Compliance Chain, we aim to streamline communication between clients and suppliers. Our tender management solution issues clarifications to either individuals or all bidders – which ultimately enhances communication and saves valuable time when it comes to updating each supplier individually.

Submission

Once the supplier has responded to the criteria set out on the ITT, they can then upload their tender by the set deadline from the client.

Evaluation

Towards the end of the process, clients will need to evaluate potential tenders based on specific criteria. During this stage, clients will assess their bids both fairly and transparently.

They’ll need to carefully review potential suppliers before making the final decision of who to choose for their construction project. At Compliance Chain, you can review tenders against the selection criteria.

Award

The final stage of the ITT process is when the client chooses a contractor to work with. Suppliers are often chosen based on their ability to meet project requirements and value for money.

Although there are several steps to take before choosing a suitable contractor, it’s at this milestone in the process that the project ahead can really begin.

With Compliance Chains tender management solution, you will have full visibility over your awarded bidders in one location. Your awarded bidder will be automatically moved into our supply chain management software, which allows for a seamless, streamlined transition from bid to site.

What Does ITT Include?

Now that we understand the core elements of ITT, let’s explore what’s included.

Core Elements

The core elements of ITT include important information about the project overview, scope of the work, objectives, terms and conditions of the contract, including delivery schedules and legal requirements, as well as technical details about the project.

By providing this key information, suppliers can better understand the needs, expectations, and evaluation criteria of the project.

Extra Information

As well as breaking down general project requirements and terms and conditions of the contract, the ITT also provides additional information about the project timeline, set deadlines, quality assurance standards, and other key conditions regarding health and safety, for example, and general expectations from the project outcome.

What Can an ITT Response Include?

When contractors respond to an ITT, they’ll typically provide:

• Cost breakdowns
• Proposed project timelines
• Quality assurance plans
• Compliance
• Proof of similar completed projects
• Health and safety procedures
• Proof of experience and capability
• Financial information (proving stability)

Contractor responses should address each requirement for the project at hand. Responses to invitations to tender are usually tailored to meet the project specifics.

At Compliance Chain, we verify supplier compliance across 14 risk areas – giving each supplier the chance to demonstrate their compliance with premier industry standards.

We ensure that only reputable, trustworthy, and reliable businesses bid on your projects, which helps mitigate the chance of risks occurring.

Benefits of ITT in Public Procurement

ITT in public procurement comes with several key benefits – from promoting fair competition to ensuring compliance, the process of ITT allows buyers to find the most suitable suppliers to work with.

Fair Competition

ITT promotes fair competition throughout the process, ensuring an equal opportunity for eligible suppliers to compete for a contract. Potential bidders receive the same ITT documents and are given the exact criteria as others involved in the bidding process.

Again, this allows for the fairest bidding, as all tenders face the same requirements. When the tender is publicly announced and equal access to information is provided, it allows for more competitive bids.

Value for Money

The process of bidding for tender has a competitive nature, encouraging suppliers to submit their best proposals regarding cost, quality, and project delivery – which helps public bodies obtain the best value for public money.

By receiving multiple bids, clients can assess each submission and compare different prices. Ultimately, this helps choose the most suitable and cost-effective contractor to work with.

Transparency

Public procurement often faces scrutiny due to the use of public funds. The ITT process provides a clear and transparent method when it comes to awarding contracts – which demonstrates responsible decision-making.

The process of ITT also provides transparency regarding details of project specifications – it provides information on requirements, evaluation criteria, and terms and conditions, to name a few – allowing bidders to really understand the project details.

Streamline Your ITT Process With Compliance Chain Today

Developed and informed by our steering group members, our tender management software simplifies the bid process. With our user-friendly platform, buyers can easily navigate the tendering journey, ensuring compliance and efficiency.

We aim to help suppliers pre-qualify and meet set requirements for an ITT. This reduces the risk to our buyers and streamlines the bidder selection process by assigning bidders you can instantly verify to premier industry standards through the Compliance Chain platform.

Additionally, you can expect our software to save you valuable time, as it provides a clear auditable trial that you can download and share with different members of your team.

To learn more about simplifying your ITT process with Compliance Chain, we encourage you to get in touch with us today. We look forward to hearing from you.