In most public sector tenders, the method statements carry the bulk of the quality score, and quality is usually what separates the winner from the rest. Yet many suppliers write them as generic capability statements. A method statement that scores top marks does something more specific: it answers the exact question, mapped to the published criteria, and proves every claim.
Start from the evaluation criteria
Before writing a word, find how the answer is scored. Buyers publish the criteria and weightings, and often a scoring rubric (for example 0 to 5). Mirror that structure in your response so an evaluator can see, point by point, that you've covered everything. If the question references the specification, quote it back so the coverage is unmistakable.
A structure that scores
- Approach: the overall method and the outcome it delivers for the buyer, in two or three sentences
- Team and governance: named roles, decision rights, meeting cadence and escalation
- Methodology: the work broken into phases with KPIs and milestones
- Risk and mitigation: the top risks, each with an owner and a mitigation
- Evidence: relevant contracts with quantified outcomes, buyer, value, year, result
Prove it, don't claim it
Every claim should be a 'how' statement tied to evidence. 'We deliver excellent service' scores nothing; 'we cut missed collections by 34% on a comparable £2m contract for a metropolitan council by introducing route optimisation and daily supervisor checks' scores well. Name the methodology, quantify the result, and cite the contract. Banish filler like 'world-class' and 'cutting-edge', evaluators are trained to ignore it.
“Specific, evidenced 'how' beats generic 'what' on every scoring rubric.”
— FastTender bid team
Respect the limits
Word and character limits are hard limits, evaluators frequently can't or won't read past them. Plan the structure so your strongest evidence fits comfortably inside. Our free tender word counter helps you check each answer, and the bid pricing and ROI tools help you decide where to invest the effort.
FastTender's AI bid writer drafts method statements grounded in your company profile, past performance and bid library, then scores each answer against the evaluation criteria before you submit, so you tighten weak spots while there's still time.
Frequently asked questions
What is a method statement in a tender?+
It's a written response setting out how you will deliver the requirement, your approach, team, methodology, governance, risk management and evidence. It's the main way buyers score quality.
How long should a method statement be?+
Exactly within the stated word or page limit. Evaluators often cannot read past the limit, so plan your structure to deliver maximum evidence within it.