As you will no doubt be aware, the Commonwealth Games will be coming to Birmingham in July and August 2022 with the Cycling Road Race, bowls and para-bowls taking place in Warwickshire. 

There is still a range of tendering opportunities available with the Commonwealth Games that are open to businesses, large and small, around the region. More details on these opportunities can be found here: https://www.birmingham2022.com/business/tender-opportunities/

In order to apply for a tender opportunity, you will need to create a free account of the Delta eSourcing Portal here: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/delta/signup.html?userType=supplier

1. Check the advert dates – Is it a live tender or request for market engagement? Is the opportunity still open? A Contract Award Notice means that the competition has closed. 
2. Read through all the documents – The tender pack will provide information on how the tender will be run, timelines, scope of works, details on how we will evaluate responses, contract terms etc. It is important to read all the documents and follow the instructions before submitting a response. 
3. Join a market engagement session (if applicable) – This will help suppliers understand our business and requirements better. 
4. Ask questions – Once the tender goes live suppliers can ask clarification questions on anything they are unsure about in relation to the tender through the message centre on the Delta eSourcing portal. For support using Delta, you can contact Delta’s technical team using their live chat function. 
5. Templates and formats – Follow the guidance and page allowances for submitting a response. This will help evaluators quickly and easily review all bids in a standard format. Please ensure all supporting documentation is clearly labelled/referenced. Don’t include title pages, cover letters or other information. 
6. Answer the question asked – Make sure all the required information is included taking note of the selection criteria. Don’t assume that your previous experience will be assessed if you haven’t actually included it in your response to the relevant questions. We can only score what is submitted, even if you have already worked with the organisation or have had previous contact with staff members. (Treat it like a bid for a new client who does not know you.) Keep answers concise but clear and do not cross reference other question responses – each question will be evaluated in isolation. 
7. Allow plenty of time – Make a note of the tender closing  date and time by which the  response needs to be submitted. The tender documents can be lengthy and writing and returning your response may take longer than you expect. Allow time to review and upload your response before submitting, ensure someone sense checks the overall bid, if possible. 
8. Alternative approaches – If you see an opportunity that you don’t have full capacity or capability to deliver there are various options you could consider: 

• Bid as a single entity for a specific Lot or Lots within a tender (only where this permitted by the tender) 
• Sub-contracting 
• Joint Ventures 
• Consortium 

Each approach will require different considerations and have different legal implications which you will need to understand prior to a bid being submitted. Your approach will need to be explained at the point of submitting a bid and different parties within the arrangements may be required to complete elements of the bid submission. 

Other opportunities – If a tender has already been awarded there may be sub-contract/other opportunities via the awarded organisation. Details of the awarded organisation can be found in the contract award notice.