Whilst still important, winning a construction tender in the UK isn’t solely based upon submitting the lowest price, it’s about presenting the best overall value for the client – and demonstrating this in an advantageous manner.
To measure this, examiners will use a variety of tender scoring systems to assess bids, from weighted evaluation criteria, to the increasingly common MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender) approach.
But what do these terms actually mean? And how can contractors tailor their submissions to score higher in construction tenders?
This blog will break down the key scoring systems used in UK construction tenders and show you how to align your bid with what evaluators are really looking for.
Understanding Scoring for Construction Tenders
Most public and private sector frameworks apply a combination of weighted scoring models and the MEAT evaluation method to assess bids. Here’s what each means in practice…
Weighted Scoring
For weighted scoring tender evaluations, there will be a percentage value assigned to each evaluation criterion, which will split the total score between price and quality. These weightings will be visible to bidders, and will sometimes be divided even further, into relevant sub-criteria. For example:
Price (40%)
Quality (60%)
- Methodology: 25%
- Project Team and Resources: 10%
- Health and Safety: 10%
Each section is evaluated based on how effectively the bidder addresses the published tender scoring criteria. These evaluations are then multiplied by their respective weighting to determine the final score. This method considers both pricing and the quality of technical responses in a manner that is fair for all bidders.
MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender)
The Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach doesn’t just prioritise the cheapest option but considers a variety of factors to find the best balance between cost and value. For example, it will take into account factors such as:
- Quality
- Technical merit
- Delivery times
- Environmental sustainability
- Whole-life costs
MEAT ensures a fair bidding process – focusing on selecting a supplier who delivers the best combination of cost and value over a project’s lifetime. This ensures that public sector construction tenders aren’t based solely on the lowest upfront price but consider crucial factors like quality, technical ability, delivery times, and environmental sustainability.
How to Win Construction Tenders: Improving Your Tender Score
Understanding how construction tenders are scored is important, but knowing how to respond effectively can enhance the chances of success. Here are some practical methods contractors can use to improve their submissions and align with evaluation criteria:
- Tailor Your Construction Tender Response to the Evaluation Criteria
Begin by carefully reviewing the tender documents. Examine the published tender scoring system and weightings, then structure your response to match them. For instance, if methodology accounts for 25% of the quality score, provide a detailed, step-by-step plan that addresses how the works will be delivered.
- Back Up Quality with Evidence
It is important to support claims about experience or effectiveness with evidence. Use case studies, references, CVs, and KPIs from past projects to demonstrate capabilities. Providing clear proof helps evaluators understand why the offer meets the technical requirements.
- Offer Added Value in Your Construction Bid
Look beyond the basic scope of works and show where you can provide additional value. This could include innovative techniques, environmental efficiencies, local employment commitments, or early delivery options. These extras can often boost your MEAT score under quality or social value headings.
- Be Competitive on Price – But Don’t Undercut
While cost is important, under-pricing to win without mindful and thorough consideration of all affecting factors can backfire. Unrealistically low prices may be deemed non-compliant. Instead, offer a competitive and clearly explained cost.
- Don’t Over Complicate it!
Use clear, concise language. Evaluation panels review many submissions, so write clearly and avoid jargon. Use bullet points, subheadings, and concise paragraphs to make key points easy to find and understand.
Final Thoughts…
Construction tender scoring systems like weighted criteria and MEAT aim to identify the best value bids, not just the cheapest. Contractors who understand these tender evaluation methods can craft responses that demonstrate technical excellence and meet cost and sustainability goals.
Align your submission with the published scoring framework, provide solid evidence, and offer added value to improve your chances of success. Build a winning case for why you should deliver the project.
Don’t Know Where to Start with Construction Tenders?
Bidding in the construction sector can be longwinded and complex, especially when navigating PQQs, ITTs and DPS’! But it can be made easier with an organised, thorough approach.
While it can be done internally, professional bid writing companies like us at Bid Writing Service can significantly boost your chances of success through expert bid writing and end-to-end guidance throughout the entire bidding process.
Have a construction tender submission coming up? Why not utilise our expert construction tender writers? Contact us at michael.baron@bidwritingservice.com or lauren.moorhouse@bidwritingservice.com to discuss your needs, or, fill out the form below!
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