[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”HEADER: Getting the Most from Procurement Portals When Selecting Your TMC” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_enable_image=”off” background_position=”top_center” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Getting the Most from Procurement Portals When Selecting Your TMC” subhead=”a guide for travel managers and procurement teams” admin_label=”HEADER: What to do when TMC Acquired” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ subhead_font_size=”3vh” subhead_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#414042″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Procurement-Portal-Banner-V2-WEB.jpg” parallax=”off” custom_padding=”3%||10%||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”” title_font_size_phone=”25px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” subhead_font_size_tablet=”3vh” subhead_font_size_phone=”18px” subhead_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” subhead_line_height_tablet=”1.3em” subhead_line_height_phone=”1.3em” subhead_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_one_text__hover_enabled=”on|desktop”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”SECTION – Intro” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”5%||5%||true|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”ROW – Intro” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – Intro” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – Intro” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
But we’ve also seen good RFPs go wrong when portals create unnecessary barriers. Now that procurement portals such as Ariba, Market Dojo and Bravo have become increasingly common in the running of RFP processes, it is more important than ever to know what to look out for.<\/p>\n
In this guide, we give our top nine tips to help travel managers and procurement leads get better outcomes from the process. <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”#pros-cons” button_text=”SEE The Pros and Cons” admin_label=”BUTTON- See Pros & Cons” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”bg-image-column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Person-Exiting-TMC.jpg” box_shadow_style=”preset4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”SECTION – Pros and Cons” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(91,140,177,0.8) 0%|rgba(91,140,177,0.8) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Technology-Blue-Mockup.jpg” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ admin_label=”ROW – Questions for TMC” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” max_width=”1280px” custom_padding=”4%|4%|4%|4%|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”5%|4%|5%|4%|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_icon font_icon=”R||divi||400″ admin_label=”ICON – Checkmark” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – Pros and Cons” module_id=”pros-cons” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”0%||0%||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0%||0%||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||5%||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”30px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – Pros and Cons” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”2%||7%||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n From a procurement perspective, portals offer real advantages. They create a structured framework for comparing supplier responses and can provide automated evaluation tools that are genuinely useful when reviewing multiple bids simultaneously.<\/p>\n That said, it’s worth recognizing that a more rigid portal structure can sometimes prevent suppliers from proposing a more creative or tailored solution. The best travel programs are rarely built from generic answers – so the more room you give TMCs to respond thoughtfully, the better the outcome for your organization.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”#nine-ways” button_text=”9 WAYS TO RUN A PORTAL RFP” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”BUTTON – 9 Ways” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”SECTION – 9 Ways for Smoother Procurement” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||7%||false|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”ROW – 9 Ways Smoother Procurement” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – 9 Ways Procurement Portal” module_id=”nine-ways” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”30px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”ROW – Check Registration” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”bg-image-column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Businesswoman-in-Orange-Office-Using-Laptop-WEB.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – Check Registration” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”5%||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – Check Registration” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”5%||1%||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Before issuing a portal invitation to your preferred TMCs, ask your key contact whether they already have an account registered. Most established TMCs will have an existing profile on major platforms – but accessing it can require administrative reassignment that eats into your timeline. A quick check upfront saves everyone time.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”ROW – Divider” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”ROW – Portal Supplier Capability” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”bg-image-column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/im-here-to-help-you-shot-of-a-young-call-centre-WEB.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – Portal Supplier Capability” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”5%||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – Portal Supplier Capability” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”5%||1%||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Not all portals offer access to a real person when technical issues arise. We’ve encountered platforms where the only support option is a chatbot – and where that’s been enough to prevent us from submitting a response at all. Before committing to a portal, confirm that adequate human technical support is available to suppliers during the live event window.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”ROW – Divider” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”ROW – Supporting Information” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”bg-image-column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Selection-of-Files-and-Folders.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – Supporting Information” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”5%||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – Supporting Information” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”5%||1%||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Upload your travel data, scope of requirements, objectives, and travel policy as soon as the event goes live – not in stages. Bid teams spend meaningful time navigating portals to locate documents, review them, and identify questions. The sooner everything is available, the more time suppliers can spend on the quality of their response – which is what your evaluation process ultimately depends on.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”ROW – Divider” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”ROW – Downloadable Version” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”bg-image-column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Busiensswoman-FIlling-Digital-Questionairre-WEB.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – Downloadable Version” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”5%||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – Downloadable Version” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”5%||1%||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n This is particularly important when you have answer-dependent questions, for example, where a “Yes” response opens additional sub-questions. Experienced bid teams will nearly always draft responses offline to protect against data loss if the portal goes down, then import answers at the end. If surprise questions appear during the final upload stage, they may not receive the attention they deserve in order to meet your deadline.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”ROW – Divider” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”ROW – Question Is Relevant to Travel” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”bg-image-column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/latin-american-entrepreneur-reading-business-repor-WEB.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – Question Is Relevant to Travel” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”5%||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – TQuestion Is Relevant to Travel” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”5%||1%||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Many organizations use the same procurement platform across multiple categories, which means RFP templates can carry over questions built for manufacturing, facilities management, or product procurement. Health & safety questions and product quality checks rarely apply to a TMC. If your portal uses automatic scoring, irrelevant questions answered with ‘Not Applicable’ can distort your evaluation results. Removing them is strongly advisable.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”ROW – Divider” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”ROW – Evidence Requirements” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”bg-image-column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Total-Policy-Control.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – Evidence Requirements” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”5%||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – Evidence Requirements” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”5%||1%||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Some portals default to requesting an attachment for every affirmative response. That works well for a question like “Do you hold ISO certification?” as an ISO certificate is easy to attach. It works less well for “How many employees does your company have?” where an attachment isn’t meaningful. Review the evidence settings for each question and switch off the requirement where it adds friction without value.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”ROW – Divider” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”ROW – Pricing Template” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”bg-image-column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Online-Pricing-Sheet-WEB.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – Pricing Template” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”5%||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – Pricing Template” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”5%||1%||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Pricing teams work best with a spreadsheet they can populate offline and upload on completion. Manually entering individual fees directly into a portal increases the risk of errors, and if the portal crashes mid-entry, hours of work can be lost. A clean, downloadable pricing template leads to more accurate and complete fee submissions.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”ROW – Divider” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”ROW – Limits That Fit the Question” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”bg-image-column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Word-Limit-WEB.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – Limits That Fit the Question” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”5%||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – Limits That Fit the Question” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”5%||1%||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n A 250-word limit is entirely appropriate for confirming an ISO certification. It’s far too restrictive for explaining a duty of care program, crisis management provision, or account management structure. Where questions genuinely require nuanced answers, give suppliers the space to be concise but complete. Artificially short answers benefit nobody’s evaluation.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”ROW – Divider” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”ROW – Handle Clarification Questions” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”bg-image-column” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Point-of-Contact-WEB.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – Handle Clarification Questions” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”5%||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – Handle Clarification Questions” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”5%||1%||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n A reasonable clarification window is essential. It allows TMCs to fully understand your requirements before committing to a response. When all contact must go through the portal, make sure the person responsible is actively monitoring and responding throughout the live period. Prompt answers to clarification questions mean suppliers stay focused on their response rather than chasing extensions.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”SECTION – Conclusion” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0.65) 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0.65) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Personalised_Travel-2-scaled.png” custom_padding=”5%||5%||true|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ admin_label=”ROW.- Conclusion” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – Final Thoughts” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”30px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – Final Thoughts” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n We want to provide every RFP with the response it deserves. The tips above aren’t just good practice for us as a supplier, they reflect what we’ve seen make a genuine difference to the quality and competitiveness of bids received. A well-run RFP process attracts better answers, and better answers lead to a travel program that truly serves your organization.<\/p>\n If you’re planning a procurement exercise and would like to talk through how to structure it effectively, we’d welcome the conversation. Get in touch with the Gray Dawes team today.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”#get-in-touch” button_text=”GET IN TOUCH” admin_label=”BUTTON- Get in Touch” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Blog Sign-Off (portfolio & back button)” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”5%||5%||true|false” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”title: related articles” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0%||5%||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||10%||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”30px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”current” use_manual_excerpt=”off” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” admin_label=”Blog posts grid – city guides” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”20px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blog][et_pb_button button_url=”\/blog” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”discover more articles” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”button – BACK TO BLOG” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” button_icon=”4||divi||400″ button_icon_color=”#FFFFFF” button_icon_placement=”left” animation_style=”none” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”SECTION – Contact Us” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0.5) 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0.5) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Global-Connectivity-Contact-Module-Background.jpg” custom_padding=”6vh||10vh||false|false” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_2,1_4″ admin_label=”ROW – Contact Us” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” max_width=”100vw” custom_padding=”||1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – Contact Us” module_id=”get-in-touch” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ admin_label=”ROW – CONTACT FORMS” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_tablet=”160px|0px” transform_translate_phone=”0px|0px” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_translate_linked_tablet=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”100vw” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ admin_label=”CLIENT” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.82)” custom_padding=”4vh|1vw|4vh|1vw|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|30px||30px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|30px||30px|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_color__hover=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” background_enable_color__hover=”on”][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ admin_label=”ICON – CLIENT” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_text admin_label=”Client” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”\/contact-us\/#get-in-touch” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Let’s Go” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”BUTTON – CLIENT FORM” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” button_text_size=”1.17vw” custom_margin=”3vh||1vh||false|false” button_text_size_tablet=”20px” button_text_size_phone=”20px” button_text_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ admin_label=”PROSPECT” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.82)” custom_padding=”4vh|1vw|4vh|1vw|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|30px||30px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|30px||30px|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_color__hover=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” background_enable_color__hover=”on”][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||divi||400″ admin_label=”ICON” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_text admin_label=”Prospect” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”\/contact-us\/#get-in-touch” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Let’s Go” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”BUTTON – ” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” button_text_size=”1.17vw” custom_margin=”3vh||1vh||false|false” button_text_size_tablet=”20px” button_text_size_phone=”20px” button_text_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ admin_label=”DEMO” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.82)” custom_padding=”4vh|1vw|4vh|1vw|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|30px||30px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|30px||30px|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” background_color__hover=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_enable_color__hover=”on”][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_text admin_label=”Suppliers & Partners” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”\/contact-us\/#get-in-touch” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Let’s Go” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”BUTTON – SUPPLIER FORM” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” button_text_size=”1.17vw” custom_margin=”3vh||1vh||false|false” button_text_size_tablet=”20px” button_text_size_phone=”20px” button_text_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ admin_label=”SUPPLIER” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.82)” custom_padding=”4vh|1vw|4vh|1vw|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|30px||30px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|30px||30px|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” background_color__hover=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover” background_enable_color__hover=”on”][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_text admin_label=”Career” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”\/careers” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Let’s Go” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”BUTTON – Careers” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” button_text_size=”1.17vw” custom_margin=”3vh||1vh||false|false” button_text_size_tablet=”20px” button_text_size_phone=”20px” button_text_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Email Option & Social footer” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#414042″ background_enable_color=”off” background_color_gradient_direction=”148deg” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Train-CTA.png” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”top_right” background_blend=”multiply” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”60px||60px||false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_width_right=”0vw” border_color_right=”#e0e0e0″ border_color_left=”rgba(48,48,48,0.5)” border_width_right_tablet=”” border_width_right_phone=”0vw” border_width_right_last_edited=”on|tablet” disabled=”on” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5″ make_equal=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”bottom_right” background_blend=”screen” width_tablet=”80%” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” max_width=”1800px” max_width_tablet=”80%” max_width_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ make_fullwidth=”on” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”40px” custom_margin=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#414042″ _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_signup mailchimp_list=”Gray Dawes Group|cdb71a096e” first_name_field=”off” last_name_field=”off” button_text=”SUBMIT” use_spam_service=”on” recaptcha_list=”Gray Dawes Travel|Gray Dawes Travel-0″ _builder_version=”4.16″ form_field_background_color=”rgba(109,110,113,0.2)” form_field_text_color=”#414042″ form_field_focus_background_color=”rgba(109,110,113,0.2)” form_field_focus_text_color=”#414042″ header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#5b8cb1″ header_font_size=”19px” form_field_font=”|||on|||||” use_background_color=”off” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”18px” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”||||||||” button_icon_color=”#5b8cb1″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” animation_style=”slide” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii_fields=”on|0px|0px|0px|0px” focus_text_color=”#ffffff” global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_bg_color__hover=”#414042″ button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff”][\/et_pb_signup][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”40px” custom_margin=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#414042″ _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_social_media_follow icon_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” url=”https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/showcase\/gray-dawes-travel\/” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#007bb6″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]linkedin[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https:\/\/twitter.com\/graydawestravel\/” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]twitter[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/graydawesgroup\/” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3b5998″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]facebook[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”instagram” url=”https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/graydawesgroup\/” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ea2c59″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]instagram[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][\/et_pb_social_media_follow][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”40px” custom_margin=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#414042″ _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Careers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Locations<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Leadership Team<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Resources<\/a><\/strong>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”40px” custom_margin=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#414042″ _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Cookies<\/b><\/a><\/p>\nPROCUREMENT PORTALS<\/h2>\n
The Pros and Cons<\/h4>\n
9 Ways to Run a Smoother Portal RFP<\/h2>\n
1. Check Registration Details Before You Send the Link<\/h3>\n
2. Investigate the Portal’s Supplier Support Capabilities<\/h3>\n
3. Include All Supporting Information from Day One<\/h3>\n
4. Always Provide a Downloadable Version of the Questions<\/h3>\n
5. Review Whether Every Question Is Relevant to Travel<\/h3>\n
6. Think Carefully About Evidence Requirements<\/h3>\n
7. Provide a Downloadable Pricing Template<\/h3>\n
8. Set Word or Character Limits That Fit the Question<\/h3>\n
9. Appoint a Named Person to Handle Clarification Questions<\/h3>\n
FINAL THOUGHTS<\/h2>\n
Related Articles<\/h2>\n
GET IN TOUCH<\/h2>\n
I’m a Client<\/h3>\n
I’m a Prospect<\/h3>\n
I’m a Supplier<\/h3>\n
I’m a Fan<\/h3>\n
SUBSCRIBE<\/strong><\/h4>\n
FOLLOW<\/strong><\/h4>\n
EXPLORE<\/strong><\/h4>\n
LEGAL<\/strong><\/h4>\n