How to Bid on Commercial Cleaning Contracts

Bidding on--and winning--new commercial cleaning contracts requires more than just a toss of your name in the proverbial hat. A well-rounded proposal that focuses on your experience, cleaning skills and abilities and positive references from past and current clients is part of what will set you apart from the competition. Flexibility and competitive rates are also contributing factors in the bidding process. Understanding what a potential clients wants is the first place to start in formulating a commercial cleaning-contract bid.

Instructions

1. Determine the specifics of the job. Find out what the specifications are for the space, how often it needs to be cleaned and any special requests regarding the contract. Not only does this give you an accurate count for any needed manpower, but also allows you to estimate for supplies and the time it will take to clean the office.

2. Solicit feedback directly from the client, if you are allowed to do so. Find out what they would like to be done and how, what they liked about their former cleaning company and what they didn't and what kind of long-term relationship they are looking for with a cleaning business.

3. Use the specifications provided in the request for proposal (RFP) to determine a fair price for the job. Remember, you need to make it worthwhile for your business, but competitive as well, to stand out from other companies in the bidding process. Consider employee salaries, supplies and any other resources needed to complete the job properly.

4. Demonstrate your company's experience on commercial cleaning projects. Provide client references (with their permission, of course) as well as a list of projects on which you've worked previously. If you can show your experience with this kind of contract, then you may be more likely to be considered above other companies without your level of experience.

5. Present an impeccable proposal. In addition to staff resumes of those involved in the project, provide an accounting of your experience and a detailed information sheet on how you will fulfill the contract. It should be professionally designed and bound, with multiple copies presented to the contracting agency.

References

• Office Cleaning Contract: Questions You Need to Ask When Bidding on Cleaning a Building