Definition
Invitation to Tender(ITT)
The formal document inviting suppliers to submit a priced, compliant bid.
An Invitation to Tender (ITT) is the formal pack a public buyer issues inviting suppliers to bid for a contract. It sets out the specification, evaluation criteria, pricing structure and submission rules, and forms the basis on which the buyer will award the contract, usually under the Most Economically Advantageous Tender approach.
What a typical ITT pack contains
An ITT is rarely a single document. It is usually a bundle including instructions to tenderers, a specification or statement of requirements, pricing schedules, draft contract terms, a form of tender, and the questions suppliers must answer for technical and quality evaluation.
Buyers issue the ITT through an e-tendering portal or Find a Tender, and suppliers submit their tender return through the same channel before the submission deadline.
- Instructions to tenderers and evaluation methodology
- Specification or output-based requirements
- Pricing schedule and payment terms
- Draft contract or terms and conditions
- Form of tender and supporting declarations
Common mistakes suppliers make
The most frequent error is answering the question a bidder wishes had been asked rather than the one actually printed in the ITT. Evaluators mark against the stated criteria only, so vague or generic answers score poorly even when the underlying capability is strong.
A compliance matrix mapping each requirement to the relevant section of the response helps avoid missed requirements and demonstrates a methodical approach to the buyer.
How ITTs differ from RFPs and RFQs
An ITT is typically used for well-defined requirements where the buyer already knows what it wants and is testing price and delivery approach. A Request for Proposal is used where the buyer wants suppliers to propose a solution, and a Request for Quotation is used for simpler, lower-value purchases where price is the dominant factor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between an ITT and a tender?
- The ITT is the document the buyer sends out asking for bids; the tender is the supplier's response to it. People sometimes use the words interchangeably, but strictly the ITT is the invitation and the tender return is the submission it produces.
- Do I have to answer every question in an ITT?
- Yes. Every question is normally scored, and unanswered questions typically score zero. If a question genuinely does not apply, say so explicitly and explain why, rather than leaving it blank.
- Where can I find live ITTs for UK public sector contracts?
- Above the relevant threshold, ITTs are advertised via Find a Tender; below threshold, many appear on Contracts Finder or individual buyer e-tendering portals. Registering profile alerts on these platforms is the most reliable way to see new opportunities.
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