What is an (EMVI) plan writer?

An(EMVI) plan writer plays a crucial role in writing plans aimed at tenders, focusing on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (EMVI). The EMVI method allows the contracting authority to award a contract not only on the basis of the lowest price, but also on the basis of best value for money. This means that in addition to price, other factors such as sustainability, innovation, and project management also play a role. An EMVI plan writer ensures that these aspects are articulated convincingly in the tender plan to maximize the chances of success.

In this article, we discuss exactly what an EMVI plan writer does, what skills and strategies are essential for success, and how companies can differentiate themselves with a well-written EMVI plan.

What does an EMVI plan writer do?

An EMVI plan writer is responsible for preparing plans that respond to the award criteria set by the contracting authority. These plans must demonstrate that the tender not only meets the requirements, but also adds value in areas such as quality, sustainability, and innovation. This requires a deep understanding of the project and industry, as well as strong writing and presentation skills.

The main responsibilities of an EMVI plan writer are:

• Analysis of award criteria: The EMVI plan writer begins by analyzing the award criteria and the contracting authority's priorities, as described in the selection guide and the Program of Requirements(PoR). This analysis forms the basis for drafting the plan.
• Structuring the EMVI plan: The plan writer must provide a clear and logical structure to the plan that clearly shows how the bid meets the stated criteria.
• Explaining added value: The plan should show why the bid adds value over competitors. This could include sustainability, efficiency, innovation or risk management.
• Working with the tender team: The EMVI plan writer works closely with various departments within the company, such as engineering, project management, and finance, to ensure that the plan aligns with the company's strategy and the specific requirements of the tender.

The importance of the Economically Most Advantageous Tender (EMVI)

The EMVI methodology allows bidders to differentiate themselves based on more than just price. This means that companies with a strong focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation are more likely to win tenders. A well-written EMVI plan plays a crucial role in this.

2.1. What is EMVI?

The Economically Most Advantageous Tender (EMVI) is an evaluation method in which the contracting authority assesses both price and quality. In many cases a points system is used, where points are awarded to different aspects of the tender. The criteria can vary from tender to tender, but common aspects are:

• Sustainability: How environmentally friendly is the proposed solution?
• Innovation: Does the bid offer new and innovative ways to deliver the project more efficiently or effectively?
• Project management: How good is the risk management of the bid? Are there clear plans for controlling cost, time, and quality?

2.2. The role of the EMVI plan writer within this process

An EMVI plan writer plays a key role in translating these criteria into a concrete plan that convinces the contracting authority. This requires not only a good understanding of the technical and operational aspects of the project, but also the ability to articulate these aspects in an understandable and convincing way.

How do you write a successful EMVI plan?

A successful EMVI plan is more than just a description of the proposed solution. It must clearly show how the bid meets the award criteria and adds value over the competition. Here are some essential steps to writing a successful EMVI plan.

3.1. Analyze procurement documents.

Before you start writing, it is essential to thoroughly analyze the tender documents. This includes not only the selection guide and the Program of Requirements (PoR), but also any questions and answers from the information note. These documents provide valuable insights into what the contracting authority considers important and what your plan should focus on.

3.2. Structuring the plan

A well-structured plan is easier to read and convinces the contracting authority more quickly. A commonly used structure for EMVI plans is:

• Introduction: A brief introduction in which you present the key message of your entry.
• Project Description: An overview of the proposed solution, including key features and benefits.
• Quality criteria: A detailed description of how your bid meets the award criteria, such as sustainability, innovation, and risk management.
• Added value: An explanation of the unique advantages of your entry over the competition.
• Conclusion: A summary in which you highlight the main points and encourage the contracting authority to choose your bid.

3.3. Focus on added value

One of the most important aspects of an EMVI plan is demonstrating the added value of your bid. This means showing how your solution not only meets the requirements, but also provides additional benefits, such as reduced operational costs, improved environmental performance, or innovative technologies.

3.4. Use of visuals and tables

Although an EMVI plan is primarily textual, visuals such as graphs, tables and images can help make complex information more understandable. For example, a risk management plan can be presented more effectively through the use of a risk matrix that visually depicts key risks and control measures.

Essential skills for an EMVI plan writer

Writing an EMVI plan requires a wide range of skills, from technical understanding to strong writing skills. Below we discuss some of the most important skills for a successful EMVI plan writer.

4.1. Writing Skills

An EMVI plan writer must be able to present complex technical and operational information in a clear and concise manner. It is important that the plan not only meets the requirements, but is also easy to read and convincing.

4.2. Strategic insight

In addition to writing skills, strategic insight is essential for an EMVI plan writer. This means understanding not only what the contracting authority wants, but also how to present your bid in the most favorable way.

4.3. Collaboration

Because writing an EMVI plan is often a team effort, an EMVI plan writer must be able to work well with other departments within the company, such as engineering, project management and finance.

Common mistakes when writing an EMVI plan

Even experienced EMVI plan writers sometimes make mistakes that can reduce the chances of success. Below we discuss some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

5.1. Too much focus on price

While price is important, an EMVI plan is primarily about quality and added value. It is a common mistake to focus too much on price and pay too little attention to other award criteria such as sustainability and innovation.

5.2. Unclear structure

An EMVI plan that is poorly structured can be confusing to the contracting authority and reduce the chances of success. Make sure your plan has a clear and logical structure so the reader can easily understand the key points.

5.3. Insufficient attention to award criteria.

Another common mistake is not responding properly to the award criteria. It is important that each part of the plan clearly demonstrates how the bid meets the criteria established by the contracting authority.

Conclusion

An EMVI plan writer plays a crucial role in tender success. By writing compelling plans that address the award criteria, an EMVI plan writer can ensure that a company stands out from the competition and increases its chances of winning. By combining strategic insight, strong writing skills and an understanding of tender documents, an EMVI plan writer can be the key to success in procurement projects.