2024 is around the corner. Let’s level up.

Tendering for contracts in 2024 will look a bit different.

Certainly, the landscape of tendering and contracts is continuously evolving with advancements in technology and changes in market demands. Let’s keep up with this and not get left behind in this space.

While we don’t have exact information about specific events or developments in 2024, we can certainly speculate on potential trends and changes that might impact the tendering process based on the trajectory of technology and business.

There is increased emphasis on Digital Platforms and online tools for the entire tendering process. This includes submitting proposals online and leveraging artificial intelligence for document analysis. Make sure you are across this when submitting your tenders and get comfortable with these tools

The next obvious one is AI-Powered Proposal Writing. AI tools are becoming more sophisticated in assisting businesses in writing tenders. We all know it’s happening.

Like it or hate it, it’s going to be used. These tools might not only assist in generating content but also in analysing the requirements of tenders and suggesting optimal strategies for your proposal submission.

But the main thing to remember with AI, is don’t forget to put your company’s personality in. It will become clear to the evaluator who is using AI solely, which might put you at a disadvantage. I have written a blog about this here that can give you more information around this.

This next one is a big one, Focus on Sustainability. Tenders in 2024 will have a stronger focus on sustainable practices. Businesses must demonstrate both cost-effectiveness, environmental responsibility, and social impact in their proposals.

Sustainability in your business is not optional, it is mandatory. As a business, you need to focus your operations to ensure you reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Cybersecurity Measures also need attention. Given the increasing digitisation, there might be a significant focus on cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive tendering information from cyber threats and attacks.

More than ever, protecting your business, information, and customer’s details is paramount. As a business, you will need to demonstrate how you ensure the security of contract details.

Let’s delve into one of these points a little deeper.

Personally, I feel like Sustainability is the one you need to start with.

It can feel like a lot of work, but you won’t regret putting in the hours to level up and get where you need to be in this space. Don’t put off the inevitable.

There are relevant certifications that you can obtain and include in your application. For example the ISO  14001 (Environmental Management System) and the ISO 5001 (Energy Management System) or other recognised environmental certifications specific to your industry.

Do the research, get certified, and have these certifications ready in your tender library.

Carbon footprint reduction is also a big one. Find ways you can demonstrate that your company is actively working to reduce its footprint. This could include energy-efficient practices, using eco-friendly materials, or investing in carbon offset projects.

Do you engage with sustainable supply chains? If you do, demonstrate how you make sure your supply chain is sustainable. This could involve sourcing materials locally to reduce transportation emissions, ensuring fair labor practices, or using suppliers with recognised environmental certifications.

If your supply chain doesn’t tick these boxes, maybe it’s time for a change?

If your company has made the swap, outlining it in your tender response could make the difference.

Then, you can input these values into your community engagement, transparency in your reporting and develop case studies and examples.

It’s important to demonstrate that your company strives for continuous improvement. Gone are the days when we stay stagnant and churn out the same information if it doesn’t align with today’s expectations.

I have so much information to share and lots of templates to help you format all of this information.

Kristine Daw is the Managing Director of Dawtek, a Melbourne-based company specialising in tenders and proposals, technical writing, business documentation, copywriting, editing and creating business templates. Kristine and her small team have a range of clients including small businesses, multi-national corporations, all levels of government and not-for-profits. 1300 DAWTEK or dawtek.com.au

If you’d like to connect with a tender writing professional with almost two decades’ worth of experience, let’s organise a time to chat.

I’m also on social media so I’d love to connect with you via our Facebook or LinkedIn pages.  And don’t forget about our closed Facebook group The Tender Hub – learn more.