2


 * ** (card 3) ** **Defining the procurement strategy** - the public sector organisation decides what it needs and outlines the bidding process. Its strategy must take account of market conditions, current law and public sector policy.
 * ** Pre-qualification ** - if you are interested in making a bid, you may be asked to provide information about your finances and experience, as well as supplying references. For lower-value contracts, standard questionnaires are often used and the buyer uses this information to decide if you qualify to participate in the tender.
 * ** Invitation to tender (ITT) ** - if you do qualify, the buyer will send you further instructions, information about deadlines, and a letter asking you whether you would like to bid for the tender or not, which you must return. Details of what the organisation wants to buy, and draft terms and conditions are also given to you at this stage, together with an explanation of how your bid will be assessed. You are being asked to make an offer that the buyer may then accept. You must answer all the requirements set out in the published tender.