The Government Tender Compliance Checklist
The most common reason bids are rejected outright is non-compliance. Use this checklist before you submit to make sure nothing disqualifies you.
Non-compliance is the fastest way to have your tender rejected without being scored. Assessors check compliance before they read your response. A single missing licence, incorrect insurance amount, or late submission will disqualify an otherwise excellent bid. Use this checklist before every submission.
Before you start writing
Read the full RFT document, not just the summary. Mandatory requirements are often buried in appendices. Mark every 'must', 'mandatory', and 'required' item.
- •Download the full RFT, not just the ATM notice
- •Note the submission deadline and portal (AusTender, Tenders NSW, etc.)
- •Identify any mandatory pre-qualification requirements
- •Note page limits, font size requirements, and file format requirements
- •Check if a site visit or briefing attendance is mandatory
Business registration and credentials
Most tenders require evidence of your legal business status and industry credentials. Have these ready before you start writing.
- •Valid ABN — confirm it's current on the ABN Lookup register
- •GST registration (required for contracts over $75,000)
- •Relevant state-based business licence (e.g. contractor's licence for construction)
- •Industry certifications if specified (e.g. ISO 9001, NDIS registration)
- •Security clearances if required — note processing times can be 3–12 months
Insurance requirements
Insurance requirements vary by agency and contract type. The RFT will specify minimums — make sure your current policy meets them before you bid. Don't assume — check your certificate of currency.
- •Public Liability Insurance — minimum typically $10M–$20M for federal contracts
- •Professional Indemnity Insurance — required for advisory, IT, and consulting contracts
- •Workers Compensation Insurance — required if you have employees
- •Product Liability Insurance — required if you're supplying goods
- •Verify your policy is current and covers the proposed contract period
Response format requirements
Formatting non-compliance is surprisingly common and can result in rejection or score penalties.
- •Stay within the specified page limit (if any)
- •Use the required font size and margins if specified
- •Submit in the required file format (usually PDF or Word)
- •Do not include the company name in restricted sections if anonymous review is required
- •Complete and attach all required forms and schedules
- •Name your files according to any specified naming convention
Submission process
Late submissions are universally rejected. Portal failures are not accepted as grounds for extension. Submit early.
- •Register on the submission portal well before the deadline
- •Upload all documents at least 24 hours before the deadline
- •Confirm your submission was received (most portals send an acknowledgement)
- •Keep a copy of your submission confirmation
- •Note the correct time zone for the deadline (usually AEST/AEDT for federal)
TenderFinder's AI bid response includes a compliance matrix
Our AI reads the tender document, identifies compliance requirements, and generates a compliance matrix for your review — so you don't miss anything before submitting.
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