If you are always trying to cram your tender proposal right before the deadline, it’s time to change that bad habit and start submitting your responses early. Whether the tender proposal needs to be submitted by mail, in-person, or electronically, there are always hiccups that can arise last minute, and it can be an end to all the hard work that went into your proposal if you miss the bid closing deadline.
What Are the Hiccups You May Encounter Submitting Online Bids?
Despite our best efforts, delays or technical issues can happen. Submitting your proposal online saves you a lot of time and money, however, you cannot control an internet outage or other technical challenges. We always aim for everything to work smoothly, but it is always a good idea to prepare for any technical issues and aim for an earlier time that the deadline to submit your tender response.
Always Remember the Closing Date and Time Is Final
Remember, the closing date and time attached to the tender is final unless extended by the buyer with an amendment. With Merx’s value-added Electronic Bid Submission feature, buyers cannot see that you submitted a response until the time of closing with an electronic bid opening. All bid responses are securely locked and out of view by the buyer. We suggest at least 1-2 hours before the deadline for online submittals. After submitting your bid early, you will still have the option to withdraw or modify your response until the closing date and time.
How To Avoid Getting Delayed in Submitting Your Bids
There are no disadvantages to submitting your tender response early. Whether electronically or via mail, you can follow these tips to ensure the buyer receives your tender proposal on time.
- Prepare a Tender Proposal Template
Every RFP and tender invitation can vary, but you can base your template on your previous tender submissions. Grab the basic information needed and adjust accordingly. Researching previously published RFPs and tender documents from agencies you want to do business with can help you prepare a template.
- Do Not Wait Until the Day Before
Once you find a tender that is best suited for your business, start downloading all documents required immediately, whether the submission is to be a physical copy or electronically. We advise you to give yourself at least 2 days before the deadline if submitting by mail, and at least 24 hours before the deadline if submitting online.
- Call for Help if Needed
Depending on the nature of the issue there are some help hotlines indicated on the RFP. When the RFP calls for electronic submission on Merx and you are having technical difficulties with the bidding platform, do not hesitate to contact customer support immediately. You can reach the Merx customer support team at 1-800-964-6379 from 7 AM to 8 PM ET or email them at merx@merx.com.
Be Early and Take Opportunities
Submitting your tender response early gives you plenty of advantages. It keeps your mind focused on bringing in a winning proposal instead of rushed work. Submitting your responses through the Merx electronic bid submission feature can help you be timely. There is a large countdown clock at the top of the solicitation details that can help you to be punctual as well. But no matter how you submit your bid proposal, the earlier the better.
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