This article will explain:
What Mini Competition means on an Open Framework lead
What the client is doing when they open a Mini Competition
How Mini Competition works for you as a contractor
Why the application / respond-by deadline matters
What you should do when you receive a Mini Competition lead
For contractors admitted to Open Framework who receive Mini Competition leads on Plentific.
What does Mini Competition mean?
Mini Competition is one of two ways clients can tender Open Framework jobs on Plentific (the other is Direct Award).
On Mini Competition, the client opens the job to eligible Open Framework contractors. You are not the only contractor receiving the opportunity. You compete by engaging with the lead and submitting a quote so the client can compare responses and award the job.
In practical terms: you can bid for this work against other participants in the Mini Competition.
What is the client doing?
When a client uses Mini Competition, they typically:
Create an Open Framework work order and choose Mini Competition as the tendering route
Set an application deadline (respond-by date) for contractors to engage and quote
Submit the job so leads go out to eligible Open Framework contractors
Review quotes and communications, then hire the contractor they want to award
Unlike Direct Award, the client is not starting from a single preferred invite. They are running a time-bound competition across the eligible pool.
How does Mini Competition work for you?
1. You receive a lead
Mini Competition leads appear in your Leads tab with Open Framework and Mini Competition tags. Open the lead to review the full job details.
You will usually see:
An application deadline / respond-by date — by when you should engage and quote
An expected award date (optional) — when the client expects to hire someone
2. Accept and engage before the deadline
Accept the lead in time to take part. After the application deadline, unanswered leads may close and new engagement can stop. If you miss the deadline, you may no longer be able to quote on that job.
3. Quote competitively
Build and submit your quote with enough detail for the client to compare you fairly against other contractors. Use any price list items available on the job, and keep your pricing clear.
The client will review quotes from multiple participants before deciding who to hire.
4. Award
If the client selects you, the job progresses as a hired work order. If they hire someone else, the job typically moves to your Lost folder.
Why the deadline matters
On Mini Competition, the application deadline (also shown as respond-by on the work order) is the key date.
Engage and quote before this date
Treat it as the window in which you can take part in the competition
Do not wait until the last moment if you need clarification from the client
An expected award date, if shown, is when the client expects to hire. It is optional and separate from the deadline to respond.
What should you do on a Mini Competition lead?
Check the Open Framework and Mini Competition tags so you know you are in a competition
Note the application / respond-by deadline immediately
Accept the lead early enough to message and quote in time
Submit a clear, complete quote before the deadline
Watch for client messages (including messages sent to all engaged contractors)
Mini Competition vs Direct Award at a glance
| Mini Competition | Direct Award |
Who gets the lead? | Eligible Open Framework contractors (broadcast) | Contractors the client specifically invites or starts to hire |
Client intent | Comparing quotes from multiple contractors | Most likely wants to hire a chosen contractor |
Deadline to engage | Application / respond-by deadline is critical | Follow the job dates shown; no mandatory competition deadline in the same way |
Your best move | Accept and quote before the deadline | Accept promptly and engage the client |
For Direct Award in more detail, see the Direct Award Help Centre article.
For more information, please contact us at [email protected].