The information requested for a Tender is separated into Criteria. Each Criterion is a specific piece of information requested by the Tender template, and belongs in one of these Criterion types: Text fields, Text areas, Numbers, Dates, Date Ranges, Files, Lists. Each Criterion type has some properties, that are shown within the Tender Preparation tool, next to the respective input box. Note that the provided information must adhere to these properties, or else it will not pass the validation process.
For every Criterion, apart from File Criteria, the tenderer is allowed to also attach a Relevant document, if desired. To attach a Relevant document, the tenderer can click on the Attach file button and select the document. To remove it, the Remove file button can be used. (The Attach file button changes to a Remove file button when a Relevant document exists)
Text field Criteria (Fig. 1) are used to enter textual information of a limited length. If a maximum number of characters has been defined, it will appear next to the input box.
Figure 1 : Text Field Criterion
Text area Criteria (Fig. 2) are used to enter large pieces of textual information. If a maximum number of characters has been defined, it will appear next to the input box.
Figure 2 : Text Area Criterion
Number Criteria (Fig. 3) are used to enter numeric information. If a lower and upper limit have been defined, they will appear next to the input box. It is also possible that a Step is defined, in which case only numbers resulting from adding multiples of the Step to the Minimum are acceptable.
Figure 3 : Number Criterion
Date Criteria (Fig. 4) are used to enter dates. Dates can be entered by clicking on the icon next to the input box, which will bring up a calendar allowing the user to select a date. If a date within a specific range of dates is allowed, the calendar will not display dates beyond the allowed range.
Figure 4 : Date Criterion
Date Criteria (Fig. 5) are used to enter periods. Similarly completing a Date Criterion, the user can click on the icon next to each input box, bringing up a calendar allowing the selection of a date. As in the case of Date Criterion, dates for Date Range fields can have range limitations.
Figure 5 : Date Range Criterion
File Criteria (Fig. 6) are used to submit files. To attach a file, the user can click the Attach file button, and select a file that is located locally at the user's workstation. The maximum allowed size is indicated next to this button.
Figure 6 : File Criterion
List Criteria (Fig. 7) are used to allow users to select from a set of predefined options. A list may be presented in the form of checkboxes, radio buttons, or combo boxes.
Figure 7 : List Criterion (Checkbox)