Decision Calculator

Bid/No-Bid Decision Calculator

Score 10 weighted factors to get an objective bid/no-bid recommendation

Score the Factors

Rate each factor from 1 (worst) to 10 (best)

1

Project Value Alignment

5%

How well does the project size and scope align with your company's sweet-spot?

Rating: 5/10Contribution: 2.5
Worst (1)Best (10)
2

Technical Capability

15%

Does your team have proven experience delivering this type of work?

Rating: 5/10Contribution: 7.5
Worst (1)Best (10)
3

Resource Availability

12%

Are your key personnel, equipment, and subcontractors available for the project timeline?

Rating: 5/10Contribution: 6.0
Worst (1)Best (10)
4

Competition Level

8%(inv)

How many qualified competitors are likely bidding? (Fewer is better)

Rating: 5/10Contribution: 4.8
Worst (1)Best (10)
5

Client Relationship

10%

Do you have an existing relationship with the client or consultant?

Rating: 5/10Contribution: 5.0
Worst (1)Best (10)
6

Profit Margin Potential

15%

What margins can you realistically achieve?

Rating: 5/10Contribution: 7.5
Worst (1)Best (10)
7

Strategic Value

5%

Does winning this project open doors to new sectors or clients?

Rating: 5/10Contribution: 2.5
Worst (1)Best (10)
8

Risk Level

15%(inv)

Consider payment risk, scope ambiguity, and contractual terms. (Lower risk is better)

Rating: 5/10Contribution: 9.0
Worst (1)Best (10)
9

Timeline Feasibility

12%

Is the project schedule realistic?

Rating: 5/10Contribution: 6.0
Worst (1)Best (10)
10

Bid Cost vs Reward

3%

What's the cost of preparing this bid relative to the potential contract value?

Rating: 5/10Contribution: 1.5
Worst (1)Best (10)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bid/no-bid decision matrix?

A systematic tool that helps contractors evaluate tenders objectively by scoring multiple weighted factors. It prevents emotional decisions and ensures you only pursue opportunities with realistic win probabilities and acceptable margins.

How are the weights calculated?

The weights are based on industry research and best practices. Technical Capability, Profit Margin, and Risk Level carry the highest weight (15% each) as they most directly impact project success.

Why are Competition Level and Risk Level scored inversely?

These factors are inverse because lower values are better. Fewer competitors mean higher win probability, and lower risk means safer projects. The calculator automatically inverts these scores.

What score should I aim for before bidding?

Score 7+ means BID – strong opportunity. Between 5 and 6.9 means CONDITIONAL – proceed with caution. Below 5 means NO BID – unlikely to be worth pursuing.

Can I use this tool for government tenders in KSA?

Absolutely. The tool works for government and private-sector tenders across Saudi Arabia, GCC, and globally. For government tenders, pay extra attention to Technical Capability and Timeline Feasibility.

Objective Decision Making

Trusted by thousands of contractors in Saudi Arabia