Does my business need Accreditations to start bidding for public sector contracts?
If you're thinking about getting into bidding, one of the first questions to ask is what do I need to be bid ready?
This is one of the most common questions we hear from businesses just starting out, especially when it comes to accreditations.
In this short video, I answer a question from a local business owner I met at the Let’s Do Business Expo – We want to start bidding for new contracts, is there a particular accreditation we should go out and get?
When it comes to bidding, especially in the public sector, buyers are looking for more than just capability, they want confidence that you can deliver safely, consistently and to a high standard that's where compliance comes in. Buyers will often ask for evidence of your approach to:
Quality management
Health and safety
Environmental responsibility
Data protection security
Social value and equality policies
Even if the specific accreditations aren't mandatory, having recognised frameworks in place like ISO certifications listed below or equivalent can significantly strengthen your submission.
ISO 9001 – this is your Quality Management System. This shows bias you have strong systems in place for consistent service delivery, issue resolution and continuous improvement.
ISO 140001 – this is your Environmental Management System. This demonstrates your commitment to reducing your environmental impact and complying with sustainability standards.
ISO 450001 – this is your Health and Safety Management System. This proves you prioritise the well-being of your staff clients and anyone affected by your operations.
You might not need all three for every bid, but having even one signals professionalism, accountability and trustworthiness. In competitive tendering, that could be the difference between scoring good and excellent on your submission.
When a bit is released, review the tender documents carefully, the pre-qualification questionnaire, commonly referred to as a PQQ will identify any mandatory compliance requirements such as accreditations, policies, insurances, or experience thresholds. Cross check these against your current documentation to confirm you're eligible to bid.
Watch the video to hear more and if you're unsure whether you need these for your next opportunity head over to our resources tab to access our free PQQ Cheat Sheet to help you get bid ready.