Which risk fields support a bid decision?

Use a stable risk ID and link each risk to the document, drawing, quote or decision that created it. State the current position without claiming a probability or cost that has not been assessed.

Illustrative tender risk record
RiskEffectAction
Unclear interfaceQuantity or programme changeRaise clarification
Preliminary vendor dataDrawing reworkRequest current outline
Missing test criterionEvidence gapAssign reviewer
Quote qualificationNon-comparable priceLevel supplier return

How should assumptions be separated from risks?

An assumption is the current basis used to continue work. A risk is the uncertainty or event that could change that basis. Link them, but do not use an assumption to hide the uncertainty.

  • Source and issue
  • Current bid basis
  • Effect if changed
  • Owner
  • Closure action

What should happen before submission?

Review material risks with the bid lead and record the approved treatment in the estimate, qualification or clarification register. Keep unresolved items visible.

Common questions

What else should the bid team know?

What should a tender risk register record?

It should show the source, issue, current basis, possible effect, owner, action and status.

Who reviews a tender risk register?

The bid lead owns the register and routes technical, commercial and contracts risks to the right reviewers.

Can this page replace the tender instructions?

No. The issued tender, its addenda and the responsible technical, commercial or legal reviewers control the final position.

Primary sources

  1. Commonwealth Procurement RulesAustralian Government Department of Finance
  2. Additional rules: request documentationAustralian Government Department of Finance
  3. The Construction PlaybookUK Cabinet Office
  4. FAR Part 15: Contracting by NegotiationAcquisition.gov