Tender return.
A tender return is the complete package submitted by a contractor in response to an invitation to tender. It contains the priced document, methodology, programme, and supporting information.
Who this guide is for
Contractors submitting bids for negotiated or competitive tenders, quantity surveyors preparing tender documentation, and subcontractors pricing packages for main contractors.
What a tender return contains
The tender package typically includes: completed pricing document or schedule of works, method statement, construction programme, preliminaries breakdown, qualifications and assumptions, subcontractor and supplier details, health and safety documentation, and insurance certificates. Missing elements can weaken your bid.
Miniature example
A contractor returns a tender for a £350,000 school refurbishment. The return includes a priced schedule of works, a 16-week programme with resource plan, a method statement for out-of-hours working, a preliminaries breakdown of £42,000, and two qualifications about existing services. The client values the completeness and shortlists the contractor.
Common mistakes
- Returning only a price without methodology or qualifications
- Missing the submission deadline — most tenders are strict about timings
- Including errors or inconsistencies between the priced document and the programme
Related guides and tools
Learn about estimate vs quote vs tender and the estimating process. Use the Construction Estimator to build tender pricing.