Tenders for work platforms: Between wish and reality

Summary

Tenders for work platforms create transparency, fairness and market overview, but are often bureaucratic, time-consuming and lack flexibility.Public and private clients use them to make bids comparable and award contracts with legal certainty – but high costs, lengthy procedures and a pure focus on price can impair quality and project dynamics.

The advantage is the structured competition with access to many providers, the disadvantage is the high administrative effort and the risk of dumping or incorrect offers.In addition to traditional tenders, clients should therefore alsoDirect awards, framework agreements or TCO considerationsin order to be able to respond to projects more quickly, economically and practically.

Tenders create structure and comparability. In practice, however, speed, consultation, and cost-effectiveness throughout the entire project also count.

Here you'll learn how tenders work, where the limits lie, and how you can secure the best solution for renting work platforms with BIBERGER. Everything is concise, clear, and immediately applicable.

What is a tender and how does it work

A tender is a structured procurement process with defined rules. Contracting authorities publish a requirement, and suppliers submit bids based on a specification.

Key phases include needs assessment , publicity, submission of bids, evaluation, and award. Clear criteria ensure transparent decisions.

Mandatory information for work platforms

For reliable quotes, you need a precise description of the service . Important points include working height, reach, load capacity, design, rental period, and location.

Consider access conditions, soil conditions, and wind zones to avoid misplaced offers and delays.

Legal framework and thresholds

Public contracting authorities award contracts through competitive tenders and transparent procedures. Above certain thresholds, Europe-wide regulations apply.

Below the thresholds, simplified national procedures are possible. Urgent and direct awards may be permissible in individual cases.

EU thresholds 2024 to 2025 at a glance

Procedure types in a quick comparison

Advantages and limitations of tenders

Tenders create transparency, comparability, and fairness . Competition strengthens prices, quality, and traceability.

However, in time-critical projects, rigid procedures have a slowing effect. A pure focus on price jeopardizes security, service, and availability .

Typical pain points for work platforms

Aerial work platforms are application-specific . Terrain, access, assembly area, and wind conditions quickly lead to special cases.

Standardized tender specifications often fail to accurately reflect these factors. This results in incorrect device types and delays.

Evaluate profitability correctly

Don't just look at daily prices. What matters is the total cost of ownership over the entire term.

This includes rental, transport, training, service, downtime, downtime risks, and response times. This sum determines the actual cost-effectiveness.

TCO checklist for rental stages

• Calculate transport and instruction from the start
• Contractually fix service level and response time
• Agree on replacement device and failure arrangements
• Have project conditions checked on site

Alternative procurement channels with speed and practical relevance

Negotiated procurement below the threshold values ​​allows for quick solutions with consultation. Direct awards are possible for low-value or urgent contracts.

Framework agreements reduce transaction costs and accelerate call-offs. They are often the best choice for recurring stage requirements.

Framework agreements in practice

Define device types, service levels, response times, and fixed terms. Requests will then be made at short notice and without re-creating the documentation.

Planning becomes more stable and availability increases, reducing risk and overall costs.

How to get more out of your tender

Consult with a specialist early on. A quick on-site appointment or a technical call will prevent misplanning.

Describe operating conditions vividly. Sketches, photos, and measurements improve the accuracy of your offers.

Minimum technical specifications for suitable offers

• Working height, lateral reach, load capacity
• Floor and access ramp, load capacities, door widths
• Wind and environment inside or outside, obstacles
• Rental period , shifts, blocking times

Prices, transparency and comparability

Reputable providers clearly state prices, services, and scope of service. Avoid isolated daily rates that don't include transportation, instruction, or service.

Please provide a complete, project-specific quote . This ensures that quotes are truly comparable and reliable.

Find the right stage faster with BIBERGER

We combine procurement expertise with operational consulting . For you, this means less coordination, less risk, and a platform that's truly a good fit.

Our rental fleet includes scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts, telescopic boom lifts, truck-mounted platforms, and specialized solutions. We deliver nationwide with training and a defined service level.

BIBERGER plus points for tenders

Example wording for your service description

Use clear, measurable information. This gives all bidders a level playing field.

The modules help you create tender texts quickly and reliably.

Text block scissor lift inside

We are looking for an electric scissor lift with a working height of 10 meters, a load capacity of 300 kilograms, non-marking tires, and a maximum width of 0.90 meters. For use in a hall, on level ground, without wind load, and access via a gate 1.20 meters wide and 2.10 meters high. Rental period: 15 calendar days, on-site training, and transport included. Service level: 24-hour response time.

Text block scissor lift inside

We are looking for an electric scissor lift with a working height of 10 meters, a load capacity of 300 kilograms, non-marking tires, and a maximum width of 0.90 meters. For use in a hall, on level ground, without wind load, and access via a gate 1.20 meters wide and 2.10 meters high. Rental period: 15 calendar days, on-site training, and transport included. Service level: 24-hour response time.

Text block articulated telescope outside

We are looking for an articulated telescopic work platform with a working height of 20 meters, a lateral outreach of at least 10 meters, and a load capacity of 230 kilograms. For outdoor use, stable ground, wind load capacity according to manufacturer's specifications, and a 6 x 4 meter support area available. Rental period: 4 weeks, delivery with instruction, replacement within 24 hours in case of failure.

When to tender, when to direct inquiry, when to framework agreement

Make a pragmatic decision. Focus on time, complexity, and repetition frequency.

Decide easily with three key questions

Conclusion and clear recommendation

Tenders make sense when transparency and comparability are paramount. For work platforms with project-specific requirements, you also need advice and flexibility .

Combine procurement procedures with technical pre-assessment , TCO analysis , and framework solutions . This provides you with security, speed, and true cost-effectiveness.

Your next step with BIBERGER

We support you from preparation to execution. Upon request, we can inspect your project on-site and provide a detailed project estimate .

Select work platforms | Request a frame solution | More practical knowledge

About the author

Benjamin Biberger

Managing Director

Benjamin is the founder and managing director of BIBERGER Arbeitsbühnen & Forklifts.

He is responsible for thecommercial and administrative areasof the company and, together with his team, ensures theOptimization of operational processesand theoptimal customer supportin their projects.

Through his many years of experience in the areas of organization andProject managementIt provides a stable foundation – in its own daily business, in sustainableFurther development of processesas well as in theCollaboration with partners and customers.