Independent decision guide
Public tender vs quotation
A tender usually invites submissions under a formal procurement process and published conditions. A quotation request may be a more limited procurement route where the applicable procurement policy permits it. The terms are not always used identically across entities, and thresholds and processes can change.
Which should you choose?
Read the actual advert, specification, closing date, submission method and mandatory documents. The issuing public entity’s procurement rules and the advert itself determine the route-not a generic label on a third-party website.
| Aspect | Tender | Quotation |
|---|---|---|
| Typical process | Formal advertised process with specified submission requirements. | Request for prices or proposals under the entity’s applicable policy. |
| Competition | May be open to eligible suppliers who meet the advert conditions. | May be invited to selected suppliers where policy permits. |
| Documents | Often includes specifications, declarations and returnable schedules. | Requirements depend on the request and procurement rules. |
| Deadline | The published tender closing time is critical. | Follow the exact due date and delivery method in the request. |