3 advantages of securing fabrication tenders

Fabrication tenders are published by both private and public sector buyers. Fabrication tenders are used within the construction industry to procure fabrication services including metal fabrication and raw material fabrication.

Navigating your way around fabrication tenders can be a tricky business if you’ve never done it before. However, making the effort is worthwhile as securing fabrication tenders can be lucrative for your business.

3 advantages of tendering for work

1. Guaranteed pay (in the public sector)

One of the biggest advantages of tendering for work in the public sector is that of guaranteed pay. Fabrication suppliers on public tenders benefit from a guarantee of pay if winning a contract. The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) must pay contractors within 60-days of invoicing. This is to comply with the Prompt Payment Code, which can give suppliers peace of mind.

Bear in mind that this does not apply to private sector contracts. Private buyers are not bound by the same regulations as public sector organisations.

2. Gain experience

All construction contracts in the UK will required proof of experience. This is typically done via case studies. In order to progress to larger contracts, you need a bank of experience. Securing work on a framework agreement or Dynamic Purchasing System can secure a steady pipeline of work. These will enable you to carry out contracts, build experience, and allow your business to thrive.

A useful way to structure your case studies is by using the STAR format:

• Situation – Provide a brief context.
• Task – The work you faced.
• Action – What have you done?
• Results – What were the results?

3. Sustainability

Securing fabrication tenders can allow you to secure a pipeline of work for your business. Winning a place on a long-term contract can benefit the sustainability of your business. Here at Hudson Succeed, we have helped clients secure upwards of four years of income – from one bid. It’s not surprising that this is an attractive prospect to any business owner.

Find more information and results shared by our previous clients on our testimonials page.

Framework agreements

Framework agreements are commonly used within fabrication tenders. There will sometimes be a Lot within a construction framework agreement for fabrication. Framework agreements are used by buyers to establish multi-supplier agreements whereas other tenders may require a single supplier.

They often benefit SMEs as there are more places available for businesses to supply a good or service. Fabrication tenders on framework agreements run for longer than single supplier contracts. They can be a great way for your business to secure a pipeline of work, allowing your business to grow.

Framework agreements are separated by Lots. This means a supplier doesn’t have to deliver the whole contract. They can apply to the relevant Lot(s) that they specialise in. For example, a large framework for construction work may entail the following Lots:

• Lot 1 – Joinery
• Lot 2 – Fabrication
• Lot 3 – Landscaping
• Lot 4 – Painting and Decorating
• Lot 5 – Roofing Works

Lots can also refer to a different geographical location for works such as:

• Lot 1 – Worcestershire
• Lot 2 – Herefordshire
• Lot 3 – Gloucestershire

Depending on the framework agreement and the buyer, you may be able to apply for multiple Lots. If you are able to provide services for multiple Lots, you’ll be required to provide evidential proof of your capabilities. If you are able to apply for multiple Lots, you can usually apply to three, maximum. Just make sure you have the resources to deliver all three if successful.

Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS)

Another way you can find fabrication tenders, is as part of a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). A DPS is fairly similar to a framework agreement and is another type of tendering procedure. It is essentially a supply chain list where bidding opportunities are published. Businesses can apply to be a part of the list. If successful in their application, which is usually a PQQ, PAS91 or SQ, they are then able to compete for tenders.

You are able to apply to be a part of a DPS at any point while it is open. Once a potential supplier has passed the initial stage, they will then be given an invitation to tender (ITT). Once a place is secured, when the next fabrication tenders are released, a supplier doesn’t have to redo the PQQ. A supplier is automatically invited to tender. This saves time for both the buyer and supplier.

Need assistance?

We understand that not every business has the resources or time to produce a winning fabrication tender response. Our sister company, Hudson Succeed, boasts an 87% success rate and over 60 years of collective bid writing experience. They can help you write a quality response giving you an edge over your competitors. There are four bid writing support services that can help you win your next safety tender.

Tender Ready

Our 4-week, Tender Ready programme is perfect for businesses that have never tendered before. Our Bid Writers work with you to make sure you have everything in place to tender successfully. This option includes:

• A 12-month subscription to Construction Tenders.
• An Organisation-wide Bid library, including 3 case studies, 5 CV’s and 8 policies.
• Access to Global Bid Directors and Senior Bidding Professionals.
• Additional flexible benefit options.

Tender Improvement

Our Tender Improvement package can help if you’re tendering for work and aren’t seeing success from your efforts. Our Bid Team will assess your previous responses and tender documents, working with you to improve for future submissions.

Tender Writing

Have you found the perfect tender for your business, but don’t have the time to complete a winning response in-house? Don’t give up! You can send it to our Bid Writers and they’ll provide you with a full Tender Writing breakdown. They’ll take care of everything for you, even submitting it on your behalf.

Tender Mentor

If you’ve already written a safety tender response and need it double-checked for errors, send it over to us. One of our team will proof it, checking it’s in line with the specification. Our Tender Mentor service can make sure your response is free of grammar and spelling mistakes before you submit.

Where can I find fabrication tenders?

Searching for fabrication tenders can take a large amount of time out of your busy day. There are thousands of sites posting construction leads daily and it can take hours searching through them. Luckily for you, we have a solution.

Construction Tenders saves you time when searching for the right fabrication tenders for your business. Our Opportunity Trackers manually search and upload from thousands of sources across the UK. By manually uploading each tender opportunity, you’ll never miss a tender again due to unreliable CPV codes. You are able to filter and search for fabrication tenders by keyword, location, budget and more. This allows you to find the perfect opportunity, fit for your business.

What’s included in a subscription to Construction Tenders?

A subscription to our Construction Tenders portal offers your business:

• Access to all unique, public and private sector opportunities across the Construction sector.
• Discounted support from Hudson Succeed, our bid writing division.
• An on-hand Account Manager to answer any questions you may have about fabrication tenders or the tendering process in general.
• A daily email bulletin sent straight to your inbox when new construction tenders are uploaded that day.

Below are previous fabrication tenders sourced on our portal:

A Practical and Convenient 3D Printer for our Laboratory whose Research is Focused on the Fabrication of 3D Regenerative Biomaterial ‘scaffolds’

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland- Ireland- Budget: Undisclosed

21-01-2021

Chassis Fabrication of Parts

SparkFund- Yorkshire and Humber- Budget: £2,000

18-12-2020

Container Freight Station (CFS) Building – Design and Fabrication of Steel Frame Warehouse and Offices Container Freight Station (CFS) Building – Design and Fabrication of Steel Frame Warehouse and Offices

Saint Helena Government- South East- Budget: Undisclosed

26-02-2021

Contract 71 – Metal Works and Fabrications including Repairs 2021 – 2024

North Tyneside Council- North East- Budget: £400,000

10-03-2021

Fabrication & Installation of New Fire Escape at Dolgellau & Barmouth Hospital and Lla

NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)- Wales- Budget: Undisclosed

01-02-2021

The best way to venture into the tendering world is through booking a live demo of Construction Tenders.

We also source opportunities for services including;

• Health & Safety Tenders
• Cable Laying Tenders
• Structural Engineering Tenders
• Electrical Tenders
• Building Works
• Joinery Tenders
• Architectural Tenders
• Refurbishment Tenders
• Brickwork Tenders
• Small Construction Tenders
• Civil Engineering Tenders
• Surveying Tenders
• Demolition Tenders
• Flooring Tenders
• Glass Tenders
• M&E
• Cost Consultancy
• Painting Contracts
• Decorating Tenders
• Masonry and many more.

Get in touch to find out how we can help your business grow.

Upgrade to our new time-saving tools

Upgrading to Discover Elite allows you to optimise your tendering opportunities even when you’re busy. Our two new packages can improve your bidding success rate and competitor awareness. Each package can help save you even more time when searching for the right fabrication tenders for your business.

The Ultimate Time Saver package offers your business:

• A maximum of five tender breakdowns per month.
• An annual subscription to a maximum of two Hudson Discover sector-specific portals. This option suits businesses that overlap two industries such as Construction and Facilities, for example.
• Pre-market and award engagement notices monitored on your behalf.
• Buyer portal management, including registration, password management, downloading documents and assessing viability based on your bid or no-bid
• Weekly phone calls with your dedicated Account Manager to discuss viable construction tendering opportunities.

The Become a Pre-Bid Master package offers:

• All of the above.
• Up to seven tender breakdowns per month.
• A Bid Strategy delivered by a Senior Bid Manager with a minimum of 5 years of experience. It will also be managed by our Global Bid Director.

Contact us to find out how we can help your business grow.