How to Bid on Electronics Engineering Projects

The electronics industry is a global enterprise offering many competitive opportunities for electronics engineers

The electronics industry is now a vast global enterprise driven by constant innovation, whether it's in the U.S., India or China. It offers many kinds of opportunities for electronics engineers. Many of them require the submission of a competitive bid. Because modern electronics are so complex, with tinier circuits and other components delivering more comprehensive capabilities, whether it's in a medical device, a TV or a spacecraft, the bidding process can often be daunting. Maximize your chances for success by following a few simple practical guidelines.

Instructions

1. Understand the exact needs of the client. Know the balance of cost, performance requirements and development time, advises Eric Langberg, an electronics engineer with consultancy Kevin Kennedy & Associates. "Both development costs and performance targets must be fully understood upfront," Langberg said. It's also critical, he added, to know how the finished product will be used. For example, it could be for testing or go directly into high-volume production. Knowing the end result will determine how you proceed with the project.

2. Analyze the scope of the project. Based on a clear understanding of the project's parameters, estimate the amount of actual engineering time involved. Larger projects should be broken down and estimated as individual functions, such as preliminary design or the creation of final fabrication specifications for a printed circuit board (PCB). "Be aware," says Langberg, "that certain products, such as medical devices, must adhere to stringent design and validation procedures, which can significantly impact the time required to complete the project, as opposed to just getting something to function."

3. Ask if there is an RFP, or formal "request for proposal." An open electronics project will often be supported by a written RFP. The RFP will include fairly detailed information on technical requirements and cost or budgetary guidelines. Study the RFP carefully for an understanding of the project and what its drivers are. For example, if the primary issue is cost, in a very competitive market segment such as cell phones, you must determine whether the project offers sufficient profit potential to be worth your time. On the other hand, if the RFP is highly technical and narrow in its focus, you must determine whether you have the required skills to undertake it.

4. Gather as much information as you can. Before you submit a bid, you have a right to have your questions answered by the prospective client. If you find that something is missing from the RFP or other project guidelines, or is unclear, inquire with the appropriate person at the client. In order to submit a winning bid, you must understand and exploit as many facts and circumstances as possible. The only way to learn the nuances is to ask about them. For example, ask what will be the single most important factor in the decision-making process. If they say low cost, that will require a different approach from a client looking for world-class innovation in circuit design. For additional perspective, contact trade-magazine editors or competitors to your client. Ask them to provide context to the bidding process by educating you about the client.

5. Use an expert if you have any doubts. The electronics industry is both complicated and extremely competitive. "It's important to know when you're in over your head and get help quickly," says Langberg. "The costs of 'fixing' a project once you've bid it rise exponentially as challenges arise. Input from a more experienced expert can mean the difference between both technical and financial success."

Tips & Warnings

• Tap industry resources for education. The primary trade association for electronics engineers is IEEE. It offers a range of educational resources, including seminars and conferences. IPC is the major association representing the printed circuit board (PCB) and electronics-assembly industry. It also offers seminars and conferences.

References

• IEEE: About IEEE
• IPC: The global trade association serving the printed board and electronics assembly industries, their customers and suppliers
• Electronics Consultants: Services