A tender is a written response to client questions laying out how a project will be carried out by a prospective contractor. This includes detailed plans on varied topics, which may include, construction, risk management, social value measures and cost.

A bid review process is the procedure through which a bid/tender is developed, from the earliest answer planning stages to the final submission of a tender. This process often includes colour-coded team reviews of the bid (traditionally pink, red and gold).

An answer plan is the very initial draft for a bid response, focusing on one aspect of the tender. This is often developed by the subject matter expert and may not yet be aligned to a specific question. Bid writers and the review process often work from this initial answer plan, developing it thoroughly ahead of publication.

Behavioural assessments are used by clients on major projects to assess the ability of a team to work well together. These can include test scenarios and interviews and teams prepare for these assessments together.

A PQQ, or Pre-Qualification Questionnaire, is the initial phase in the bidding process. This is a questionnaire used to identify companies suitable for bidding for a project, and is used to make a shortlist of bidders for the ITT stage.

An ITT, or Invitation to Tender, is the second phase of the bidding process. This is used by prospective contractors to lay out their proposal for how they would deliver a set of works.