TENDERS FAQs
We answer your questions about the public procurement ecosystem.
Explore our detailed guide to understand specifications, award processes, and how our technology optimises tender management for companies.
What is a public tender?
A public tender is basically when an administration says: ‘I need this service, this work or this supply. Who can provide it and under what conditions?’ →
What types of tenders are there?
Not all tenders are created equal, and understanding this will save you a lot of headaches. There are simple, fast-track tenders, and others that are longer, more technical, and highly competitive. Knowing exactly what you are getting into is key to deciding whether it is worth your while. →
The tender docs: those documents that are so hard to read (and that’s why you lose).
Tender specifications are the rules of the game in any bidding process. Everything is in there: what the administration needs, how they will score the proposals, and what will be required of you if you win. →
Administrative vs. Technical Specifications: Which is more important?
Both. And failing just one of them can knock you out of the running. →
What are enhancements and how are they evaluated in a tender?
In a tender, meeting the minimum requirements is not always enough. That is where enhancements (or improvements) come in: everything you offer over and above what is requested in the specifications that adds real value to the project. →
Where are tenders published (and why does almost no one see them)?
There is no single place where everything appears clearly and in an organized way, which causes many opportunities to go unnoticed. →
So, how do you find only the tenders that actually interest you?
One of the biggest mistakes when starting to bid is trying to cover everything. There are thousands of tenders published every week, and most do not fit your company—whether by size, location, or type of service. Searching without criteria only leads to wasted time and frustration. →
How is the winner of a tender decided?
Winning a tender is not just a matter of price. Although many people believe that the contract always goes to whoever offers the lowest bid, the reality is more strategic. →
What are the most common risks when participating in tenders?
Risks are external or uncertain factors that do not depend entirely on you, but can complicate your participation or the execution of the contract. →
What are the most common mistakes that cause you to lose tenders?
Mistakes are internal failures that can be controlled and avoided with proper planning. Many bidders lose opportunities not because of price, but due to simple yet critical errors. →
What is an abnormally low bid (and why can it be a problem)?
An abnormally low tender is when the price you submit is well below the market average or what the contracting authority expects to pay. At first glance, it may seem like a strategy to score more points, but in reality, it raises red flags. →
What is solvency and how can it be demonstrated?
Solvency is your company’s ability to take on a public contract and perform it correctly. It’s not just about money; it’s about proving that you have the resources, experience, and organization to deliver what you promise. →
How long does a tender take to be resolved?
There is no single standard timeframe: every tender has its own pace. It depends on the type of procedure, the size of the contract, and the complexity of the project. →
What are framework agreements and why are they so important?
A framework agreement is not a tender for a specific contract, but rather a system for working with the Administration over a period of time under pre-agreed conditions. →
Can call-off contracts be made from a framework agreement automatically?
Framework agreements are not a single tender, but rather a series of linked opportunities. →
What happens when you win a tender?
Winning a tender is only the beginning of the process. Once the contract has been awarded, it must first be formalised, reviewing deadlines, payments and responsibilities. →
Can the concession be challenged if something is unfair?
Public procurement is not a rule-free game: there are mechanisms to file a claim if you detect irregularities in the process or believe your bid was unfairly rejected. →
Do you ensure that your team works in a fully integrated manner and is kept informed at all times throughout the tendering process?
In many companies, each person knows only part of the tender process.
A good system allows the entire team to →
What regulations govern tenders in Spain?
In Spain, public tenders are mainly regulated by the Public Sector Contracts Law (LCSP). →
Is it worthwhile for SMEs to bid for contracts?
Many SMEs think that tenders are only for large companies, but the reality is quite different: there are many tenders tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises. →
What is a UTE?
A UTE is a temporary business association where several companies partner to bid together for a tender and execute a contract that none might be able to handle alone. →
Does the system integrate automatically with your ERP entities (customers, products, SKUs, etc.)?
This is a massive differentiator between a basic system and a professional one. ERP integration allows you to. →
Can parts of the contract be subcontracted?
Yes, in many cases, subcontracting certain parts of the contract is permitted, but it is always subject to the terms of the tender specifications. →
Subcontractor roles and management
In many tenders, especially for large-scale projects, it is not possible for a single company to handle everything. This is where subcontractors come in external companies or professionals who execute specific parts of the contract under your responsibility. →
How to register on the PLACSP?
Registering on the Public Sector Procurement Platform (PLACSP) is the first step toward viewing tenders, downloading specifications, and submitting electronic bids. The process is straightforward. →
PLACSP vs. Regional Tenders: Key Differences
For companies, it is vital to monitor both channels: while major projects are often only found on the PLACSP, many high-value opportunities for SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) are located on regional portals. →
Can KAMs check the real-time status of their bids?
In modern tender management, it is essential for KAMs (Key Account Managers) to have full, real-time visibility into the status of their bids. →
How to prepare a technical proposal that scores high
The technical proposal is your opportunity to demonstrate to the Contracting Authority why your proposal is the best. It is not just about meeting the requirements; it is about highlighting your experience, resources, and added value. →
Do your tenders go out without oversight, or is there an approval workflow in place?
In many companies, it is common practice for a tender to be approved by specific stakeholders before submission. This ensures: →
Deadlines and strategies to avoid missing tender opportunities
One of the biggest problems in procurement is losing out on opportunities due to poor deadline management. →
How to use technology to gain a competitive edge in tendering
Today, having a great team or deep experience is no longer enough; technology can be the deciding factor between winning a contract or being left out. →
Do you use a centralized tender management system?
These tenders are characterized by high economic value and significant technical complexity far exceeding that of most supply or service contracts. →
Can you auto-populate new tenders directly from incoming alerts?
This means that when a new tender matches your criteria, the system doesn’t just notify you it also. →
Tenders in the medical devices and pharmaceutical products sector"
These processes are regulated by the Public Sector Contracts Law and are typically highly competitive due to their high economic value and the critical need to guarantee quality and safety. →
Construction Sector Tenders
These tenders are characterized by high economic value and significant technical complexity far exceeding that of most supply or service contracts. →
