Conamar Tender Management case study – February 2025

Naire Cruz : Pre-Construction Supply Manager

Conamar are a mid-sized main contractor, based in North Hertfordshire. They have been using Tender Management by Once For All (previously known as Bidwork) since 2022 and have more recently also started using other Once For All Main Contractor solutions such as Construction Supply Chain Management.

What is the challenge that Conamar is up against?

Due to the amount of construction projects they are working on they need to send out multiple tender enquiries to selected pre-qualified subcontractors in a quick and efficient manner. Very often there will be a large number of tender documents involved such as architectural drawings, specifications or planning documents. These can often number in the hundreds and some of them ‘weigh’ a lot to send electronically. Conamar needed a tender management software solution that could efficiently transmit all of those documents quickly, and also then handle addendums when required.

They have also previously experienced delays in receiving subcontractor responses, with some not replying to invitations to tender at all, or providing uncompetitive pricing. All of this makes the job of the Pre-Construction Manager and Quantity Surveyor much harder.

How do they expect Tender Management in 2025 to compare to 2024?

Conamar’s business has been increasing year on year. They are planning to work on more projects, particularly new office builds, health care, commercial retail, transport and leisure, so will need to send out and manage an increasing number of invites to tender.

How did they handle the enquiries process before using this tool?

They used an alternative tender management software supplier. The challenge with that solution is that it wouldn’t always handle very large documents easily, often ‘seizing or jamming’ when uploading or sending.

They also found it harder to secure accurate reporting around the ITT response rates of different subcontractors in their supply chain.

How does Tender Management by Once For All help?

Naire describes Tender Management by Constructionline, a Once For All company, as a more modern tool to use which is more like an ‘app’. The interface is easier to navigate meaning that it’s quicker to find the area or functions that you need. The drag and drop functionality in particular is more user-friendly than their previous tender management tool, which helps for managing large files.

It’s also very easy to find additional suppliers. For example recently they needed to find additional UPVC suppliers near Dover. The tool supplied a quick list of pre-qualified subcontractors.

In addition to the above, the reporting functionality is very useful providing up to date insights around the amount of time that subcontractors respond, which respond and which don’t, and which provide competitive pricing. The result is the creation of a more productive construction supply chain, driving up accuracy and time saving.