Invitation to tender (ITT)
An invitation to tender (ITT) is a formal request for suppliers to submit a tender against stated requirements. In an open procedure the tender notice may itself invite tenders; in a multi-stage process an ITT may be issued only to suppliers who pass participation requirements.
Reviewed
The document that tells a supplier how to make a formal offer is commonly called an invitation to tender (ITT). It normally explains the requirement, instructions, timetable, contract terms, response questions, pricing and evaluation method. The label is common in UK procurement, but the legal effect depends on the procedure and the documents issued by the authority.
What to check first
Read the ITT with the tender notice, specification, pricing schedule, draft contract and appendices. Identify mandatory questions, conditions of participation, award criteria, weightings, clarification rules, file limits and the exact submission route. Create a compliance checklist and raise questions by the published deadline. Do not change the required order or omit a form because an answer appears elsewhere.
Know the procedure
Under the Procurement Act 2023, a tender notice is used to invite tenders in an open procedure. A competitive flexible procedure may have a participation stage followed by an ITT to shortlisted suppliers. Earlier procurements may remain under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, and Scotland has a separate regime.
For example, a shortlisted supplier might receive an ITT for a social care service and submit a method statement, pricing workbook, declarations and mobilisation plan. It is the final ITT pack and its clarifications, rather than an earlier market engagement document, that governs that submission.
An ITT does not guarantee that any contract will be awarded.