This is the question that many small business as well as large and prime contractors should ask themselves prior to bidding. What determines whether you should bid or not bid, how should you assess the possibilities of bidding and what are the factors that you should use to Bid or Not to Bid? It is important to establish a Bid/No-Bid process that aligns with your business model. Below is not an inclusive list but a good list to start with to determine to Bid or Not to Bid, there are many things to consider when deciding to Bid or Not Bid.  

Using a scale of 1 – 10 (with 1 = none/poor, 3 = fair, 7= good, 10 = excellent) respond to the following questions regarding this bid opportunity:

  1. How well do we know and understand the needs of this customer?
  2. How well does our product/service meet the customer’s requirements and needs?
  3. How well does our product/service compare to our strongest competitor for this contract?
  4. How much influence did we have in the content (product/service requirements) of the customer’s solicitation?
  5. What’s the likelihood that winning this contract will lead to future work with the customer or other customers?
  6. How well does the prospective contract fit into our line of business and support our marketing and sales strategy and business plan?
  7. If we win this contract, how likely we will be able to provide the product/service with little or no risk to meet technical, management, schedule, and price requirements?
  8. How well does our performance in past or current contracts show that we have the resources and experience to perform the proposed contract?
  9. What is the likelihood of us having enough time and resources to produce a competitive proposal for this contract?
  10. How likely is our chance of winning this contract with our desired profit margin?

Bid or No Bid is determined by the score that you receive, 80% or higher is definitely a “Go!”.