ITT
Acronym for Invitation to Tender; the formal tender document containing specification, evaluation criteria, and contract terms.
Definition
ITT is the acronym for Invitation to Tender, the formal document inviting selected or all suppliers to submit a full bid for a contract. The ITT contains the specification of what is being procured, the evaluation criteria and weightings, the contract terms, the response template structure, and the submission deadline. For Open procedure the ITT is issued at the same time as the Contract Notice. For Restricted procedure it is issued only to suppliers who passed the prior selection stage.
How it works in practice
See the detailed Invitation to Tender glossary entry for substantive coverage. The short version: a complete ITT pack contains instructions (what to submit and how), specification (functional and non-functional requirements), contract terms (KPIs, payment terms, liability, exit), evaluation methodology, response template, pricing template, and annexes (TUPE data, asset registers, transition plans). Response windows are typically 30 to 60 days for above-threshold contracts. Suppliers should treat the ITT instructions as exam paper: deviations from the specified format, exceeded word counts, or missed sections are common reasons for bid disqualification. Strong responses follow the ITT structure exactly, evidence claims with named comparable contracts, and use the full available space without exceeding word limits. The KimonBids bid management module breaks the ITT into a structured response plan with sections, owners, deadlines, and word limits enforced. Clarification questions during the response window are essential for resolving ambiguities; the buyer publishes answers to all bidders to maintain fairness.
Common questions
How is ITT different from ITQ?
ITT is the formal tender document for higher-value or more complex procurements, with full specification, evaluation criteria, contract terms, and structured response sections. Invitation to Quote (ITQ) is shorter and lighter, used for low-value or routine spend. ITT awards typically use weighted quality and price criteria; ITQ awards are often dominated by price.
How long do I have to respond to an ITT?
For Open procedure above threshold, the minimum is 35 days from notice (30 if a PIN was published). For Restricted procedure the ITT stage minimum is 30 days. In practice many buyers allow 40 to 60 days to attract competitive bids. The ITT itself states the deadline.
What goes in an ITT response?
A direct response to each evaluation criterion (often structured as method statement, experience, social value, risk management), the priced offer using the buyer's pricing template, signed forms of tender, and any required certifications. The ITT instructions state what to include and how to format; deviation can lead to disqualification.