What is the first step in the tender process?

The correct answer highlights that developing the tender and evaluation criteria is the first step in the tender process. This step is critical because it lays the foundation for the entire procurement activity.

Before inviting bids from potential suppliers, it is essential to clearly define what is needed — this includes specifying the scope of work, requirements, and expectations. The tender and evaluation criteria outline how proposals will be assessed, ensuring that the process is transparent, fair, and structured. Doing this right at the beginning allows for consistency in comparing different bids, enabling the organization to achieve the best value.

Once the tender and evaluation criteria are established, the subsequent steps, such as receiving bids, evaluating them, and ultimately selecting a contract winner, can happen in an organized manner. This approach minimizes misunderstandings and misalignments in expectations between the buyer and potential suppliers.