What facilities are there for new bidders?

Public tenders ... well, they are the daily bread for the government when you want to hire works, services or buy things. But if you are new in this, Uff, it looks like a jungle full of paperwork and rare words. Quiet, it is not so much: there are tricks, shortcuts and even help so that the newbies do not get lost on the road.

First, the golden rule: everything has to be transparent and fair, at least in theory. No favoritisms because you are big or boy, have experience or not. The bases have to be clear, without small print that makes you stumble. Moreover, on many sides they do their best so that SMEs do not stay out. As? They divide the contracts into more manageable bits or ask you less papers to participate. Something is something, right?

Then there is the wonder of tenders, those websites where you can find all the opportunities for public contracts. Free, without trap. There they not only throw the list of tenders, but they even show you how the roll works, with tutorials and guides so that you do not miss. And if you are one of those who forget everything, you can subscribe to get emails when something that interests you comes out. Almost like Tinder, but for business.

And no, they do not release you only in the desert: there are workshops and talks to learn about the process, ask what you do not understand, and even do “networking” with other bidders and officials. Sometimes, even food is decent.

Another thing: you can ask, and a lot. If the sheet sounds like Chinese or there is something that does not fit, you have the right to ask for clarifications. The answers hang on the portal so that no one has advantage. All even, at least on paper.

And if all this is still made, you can always look for a good lawyer or consultant on public procurement issues. Yes, they charge, but they can save you from putting the leg to the background, helping you prepare a proposal that does not sorrow, or haggle better conditions. It is worth it if a large contract is at stake.

Total, getting into public tenders scares at the beginning, but there are resources and facilities that can pave the way. If you prepare well and use what you have at hand, you can turn this into a good opportunity to grow and, who knows, maybe even to improve your city a little.