top of page

Enhancing Your “Prequal” Process: Tips for Subs to Win More Bids

Thomas Kellogg


In the competitive world of construction, the smallest details can be the difference between winning and losing a bid. Prequalification processes are not just administrative hurdles—they are opportunities to showcase your company’s strengths, professionalism, and credibility. By taking a few strategic steps, you can turn your qualification application into a powerful tool that leaves a lasting impression. Below are three proven measures that can help you stand out from the competition.

 

1. Be Honest, Accurate, and Comprehensive

Honesty and transparency are critical in prequalification applications. When asked for information, provide precise numbers and a complete portfolio that reflects your expertise – don’t just “check the box.” For example, if your application states that your company has 10 employees, but the reviewer knows of at least 50 on one project, it creates distrust in the other information provided. Similarly, listing only your largest projects—when most of your work falls in a smaller “sweet spot” range—can signal a lack of transparency.

Go above and beyond by offering more information than the application requests. Detail the full range of your projects, capabilities, and corporate programs to provide a complete picture of your operations. A transparent and thorough application builds trust and positions you as a reliable partner.

 

2. Provide Reviewed or Audited Financial Statements

A QuickBooks printout may be inexpensive, but it is often not enough to instill confidence in your company’s financial strength. Reviewed or audited financial statements, while more costly, can have a massive impact. Since it would be difficult to assess the expertise of an internal accountant or bookkeeper and since in-house prepared financials do not undergo the same level of scrutiny as reviewed or audited financial statements, Construction Managers and General Contractors (CM/GCs) often find in-house or compiled statements unreliable. Reviewed or audited statements, however, provide an independent verification of your financial health.

While a poor financial position may still work against you, engaging an accountant to conduct a review or audit can speak to your strengths with confidence, or at least identify weaknesses that you can work to address before it becomes too late. The investment in professionally prepared financial statements can open doors to more opportunities, ultimately paying for itself in new projects won.

 

3. Email Key Information Directly to Your Prospective Customer

While many CM/GCs rely on portals to manage qualification applications, these systems often turn submissions into one of many indistinguishable entries. Stand out by sending a direct email that highlights your application. This personal touch conveys, “I am proud enough of what I’ve built here to send it to you directly.” Your email doesn’t need to duplicate your portal submission or include sensitive information. Instead, it can summarize your company’s strengths and the effort you’ve put into your application. Taking this extra step demonstrates confidence and dedication, making your submission more memorable to the CM/GC.

 

Investing time and resources into improving your prequalification process is not just a box to check—it’s an investment in your company’s future. By providing honest and comprehensive information, ensuring financial transparency with reviewed or audited statements, and following up, you set your company apart as a professional, trustworthy contender. These steps can transform your application from being just another entry on a leveling sheet to a compelling case for why you deserve the award.




 

Completely Unrelated Trivia Treasure: Orcas have been known to follow "fashion" fads - most recently scientists have observed Orcas off the coast of Washington State wearing slain salmon as hats, a trend that was last recorded in 1987.

 


Maple Insight offers third-party analysis of Subcontractor qualifications by individual trade for each project, highlighting their strengths and guiding safe award pathways.

48 views

Stay in the know!

Thanks for submitting!

Maple Insight

1550 Larimer St, #660

Denver, CO 80202

T. 720-689-8061

E. info@mapleinsight.io

​        LinkedIn

  • LinkedIn

Or contact us here:

Thanks for submitting!

© 2023-2024 All Rights Reserved. DefaultDoc® is a registered trademark of Maple Insight, LLC.

bottom of page