Development of Tender Management Competency for Engineers

Since organizations procure services and goods from other firms, tender management is considered a core business activity. Engineers employed in the hydropower sector in Bhutan manage tenders, which are considered vital engineering practices in Bhutan. This article shares the work experience of the first author in the engagement of management tenders for the electrification of residential quarters of the employees employed in the hydropower station. The tender management includes proposal writing, proposing budgets, developing technical specifications, preparing tender documents, floating notice inviting tenders, opening tenders, evaluating tenders, and awarding work. The authors also stress the importance of acquiring tender management skills by engineers and managers employed in large organizations, SMEs, and startups, including the hydropower sector in Bhutan because these entities are required to procure goods and services from third parties for the fulfillment of the business objectives. In the end, the authors recommend the inclusion of tender management in engineering education to reduce the gap between engineering education and practice in Bhutan.