Includes bibliographical references and index.

Foreword -- Acknowledgements -- Introduction -- Bid basics : the fundamental things you need to know -- Where to look for bidding opportunities -- Pre-qualifying for tenders: the first hurdle -- The decision to bid -- Keeping on track : where to start and how to finish -- What to write and how to write it -- How much? pricing your proposition -- The case for case studies -- It's good to talk : influencing and persuading throughout the process -- And the winner is-- (what happens after the decision is made) -- A view from the other side : the buyer's perspective -- External funding bids and grant applications : applying bid best practice in not-for-profit competitions -- Proposals : using bid writing skills in proactive selling processes -- The golden rules of bidding : things i wish i'd known when i wrote my first bid -- Based on a true story: the good, the bad and the ugly : real-life examples from the world of bids -- References, further reading and resources -- Index.

The Winning Bid is an easy-to-read practical guide which will teach the reader how to think like a professional bid manager. It gives essential advice on, amongst other things: PQQs and bid readiness, GIVE analysis, competitor analysis, grantwriting and funding bids best practice, freedom of Information as a research and continual improvement tool, a view from the buyer's side - featuring feedback from buyers on their experiences of being on the receiving end of bids, measuring bid performance over time, virtual team management, sharing bid best practice with other Bid Managers through APMP membership and accreditation, LinkedIn groups, the new Cabinet Office feedback channel. It will appeal to anyone engaged in bidding activity, from the bid novice to professional bid managers.