Which decisions belong in the kickoff?

Start with the document index and response schedule. Confirm what the buyer asks for and what the team must obtain before drafting.

Bid kickoff agenda
AreaQuestionOutput
PackAre the current files indexed?Document register
ResponseWhat must be returned?Returnables plan
OwnersWho supplies each answer?Responsibility matrix
EvidenceWhich claims are supported?Evidence register
ReviewWhen are gates?Bid calendar

How should an action be assigned?

Give each action a source, owner, due date, reviewer and status. A general instruction to review the pack is not an owned task.

  • Requirement or question
  • Source reference
  • Response owner
  • Approver
  • Due date and status

What should the kickoff leave open?

Keep missing evidence, unresolved scope and approval dependencies visible. The kickoff should not convert open facts into confident claims.

Common questions

What else should the bid team know?

What should a bid kickoff include?

It should cover pack control, returnables, scope, owners, evidence, questions, approvals and review dates.

Who reviews a bid kickoff?

The bid manager runs it, with technical, commercial and document owners accepting their actions.

Can a response template replace the issued tender?

No. The issued request and addenda control the final submission.

Primary sources

  1. Commonwealth Procurement RulesAustralian Government Department of Finance
  2. The Construction PlaybookUK Cabinet Office
  3. Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15Acquisition.gov