What is an ITT?
An ITT, or Invitation to Tender, is the formal bidding stage of a procurement in which selected suppliers are invited to submit their full proposals against a published specification. It usually follows the selection stage and sets out the requirement, the terms, and the criteria on which bids will be evaluated and awarded.
Invitation to Tender, explained
An Invitation to Tender is the document, or set of documents, a buyer issues to ask suppliers to submit a formal bid for a contract. It marks the point where the competition moves from assessing whether a supplier is suitable to assessing the actual proposals on the table. An ITT typically includes the specification of what is required, the contract terms and conditions, instructions on how to bid, and the award criteria and their weightings.
The ITT stage usually comes after the selection stage, so the suppliers invited to tender have already demonstrated their suitability, for example through a PQQ or conditions of participation. In a single-stage open procedure, however, selection and tendering can be combined, with all interested suppliers invited to submit a full tender in one go. Either way, the ITT is where suppliers set out their detailed offer.
Once tenders are received, the buyer evaluates them against the published award criteria, commonly on a combination of quality and price. Because the ITT defines the specification, terms and evaluation approach, getting it right matters: clear, complete tender documents help suppliers respond well and help the buyer run a fair, transparent and defensible competition that leads to a sound award decision.
Key things to know
The formal bidding stage
An ITT invites selected suppliers to submit their full proposals for the contract.
Sets out the requirement
It includes the specification, terms and conditions, and instructions on how to bid.
Defines the award criteria
The ITT states the criteria and weightings on which tenders will be evaluated.
Usually follows selection
It typically comes after the selection stage, once suppliers have shown they are suitable.
Combined in the open procedure
In a single-stage open procedure, selection and tendering can happen together.
Clarity matters
Clear, complete tender documents support fair, transparent and defensible awards.
Explore: What is a PQQ?, What is a tender?, What is MEAT criteria?, Tender management software.
How eSourcingData helps
eSourcingData helps buyers build, issue and evaluate ITTs in one place, keeping the process consistent and auditable.
Build tender documents
Assemble your specification, terms, instructions and criteria into a clear, complete ITT.
Manage submissions
Receive tenders securely with a clear record of what was submitted and when.
Consistent evaluation
Score bids against your published criteria with a defensible audit trail.
PA23-aligned
Reflect the new regime's procedures and award basis rather than legacy templates.
FAQs
What is an ITT?
An ITT, or Invitation to Tender, is the formal bidding stage of a procurement in which selected suppliers are invited to submit their full proposals against a published specification. It sets out the requirement, terms and the criteria on which bids will be evaluated and awarded.
What is the difference between a PQQ and an ITT?
A PQQ assesses whether a supplier is suitable to bid, focusing on the organisation. An ITT comes later and invites shortlisted suppliers to submit their actual proposal, which is then evaluated on the published award criteria.
What does an ITT include?
An ITT typically includes the specification of the requirement, the contract terms and conditions, instructions on how to bid, and the award criteria and their weightings.
Does the ITT always come after a selection stage?
Usually, yes. The ITT normally follows selection, but in a single-stage open procedure selection and tendering can be combined, with all interested suppliers invited to submit a full tender at once.
How are tenders evaluated after an ITT?
Tenders are evaluated against the published award criteria, commonly on a combination of quality and price, with each criterion weighted so the highest overall score wins.
Build and evaluate ITTs with confidence
See how eSourcingData helps UK buyers issue and evaluate tenders under PA23. Book a demo or request a pilot.