Tender

A tender is an official request issued by a public body or large organization inviting suppliers or contractors to submit offers for providing goods or services. It is generally used for significant projects where transparency, competition, and clear documentation are required. Tenders promote open participation, objective evaluation, and value for money. Depending on the situation, organizations may use open tenders, restricted tenders, electronic tendering systems, international tenders, or structured requests such as RFPs and RFQs.

Example: Suppose the Public Works Department plans to construct a new government school. It publishes a tender notice outlining design requirements, technical criteria, timelines, and qualification standards. Construction firms respond with their technical proposals and price bids. The department reviews the submissions for cost competitiveness, experience, and compliance before awarding the contract to the most suitable bidder. This approach supports fairness, transparency, and efficient execution.