Compliance matrix

A table that lists every requirement in a tender and shows where the bid meets it. Building one first is the surest way not to miss a mandatory item.

Also called: Compliance table, Requirements traceability matrix

Related terms

Mandatory requirement

A pass-or-fail condition a bid must meet to be scored at all, such as a certification, insurance level or minimum years of experience. Missing one means the bid is rejected unread.

Statement of work (SOW)

The part of a tender or contract that says exactly what the supplier will do: tasks, deliverables, timelines and acceptance. It is the first thing to read in any IT tender.