What is the DAFO in public procurement?

Ah, the famous Dafo analysis ... if you have ever been involved in the world of management (or even in a boring business talk), surely it sounds to you: weaknesses, threats, strengths and opportunities. Basically, it is like putting your company in therapy, looking in the mirror and admitting both good and ugly, but with the aim of getting juice to what you have and not stumbled upon what you don't.

In the history of public procurement, this DAFO roll becomes almost essential if you want to scratch a government contrast. Because? Because out there the competition is hard and it is not enough to have a beautiful logo.

First, the internal: weaknesses and strengths. There you don't have to lie. Lack of experience in public tenders? Just money? Does the team know less about the subject than your aunt at the wedding? Well that, it's time to put it on the blacklist. And the strengths, of course, also: good reputation? Have you already won any contract? Full wallet? That goes directly to the column of the "cool."

Now what comes from outside: threats and opportunities. Threats can be from the competition that steps your heels to a legal change that leaves you out of play. And be careful, the economy is not always on our side. The opportunities, on the other hand, are those windows that open: new laws that favor you, more public contracts, or simply that now seek just the service you give. Sometimes it's pure luck, but you have to be awake.

The grace of the Dafo is not to stay on paper. If you have a strength, use it as a flag. If you see an opportunity, throw yourself. Do you have weaknesses? Well, you have to put the batteries, ask for help, or seek training. And if the threat is great, the same is still to reinvent yourself a bit.

Fast example: if your company has already won several competitions in a specific sector, take advantage of that in your speech and deferciate. But if yours is rather the lack of tables in bidding processes, do not make the hero: look for someone who knows and train you, or directly signed an expert.

In summary: the DAFO is the tool that everyone should use before pulling the pool of public procurement. But be careful, you have to be honest with themselves. If you try to self -tear, it is most likely to give you a good blow with reality. Better admit weakness and reinforce what is needed, than to compete with sharks, it is better to be prepared.