Tendering for a Tender

How SPARK de-risked and secured a recent superyacht tender build slot.

Delivering a fast-track tender project requires structure and precision.

At SPARK, our approach to bid management for tender and chaseboat projects ensures that schedule, cost clarity and operational fit remain aligned from concept through to contract, construction and delivery.

The Brief

The project began with a clear goal to design and deliver a classically inspired custom tender for a Cayman-flagged superyacht operating between the Mediterranean, Caribbean and USA.

The owner’s team requested a tender that mirrored the quality and styling of the mothership, while meeting a delivery deadline and integrating into the yacht’s operational schedule.

Having previously developed the approved design and technical specification in-house, SPARK was appointed to manage the full tender process from bid package coordination and analysis to builder selection and contract negotiation.

The Challenge

SPARK identified key challenges that shaped the project approach:

1. Timeline Pressure

Suitable build slots were limited and delays risked pushing delivery back an entire season.

2. Bid Comparability

Different in-house build standards make like-for-like comparison difficult.

3. Cross-Jurisdiction Complexity

With EU delivery and a Cayman-flagged yacht operating commercially, the project required careful coordination of VAT, export and regulatory compliance.

SPARK’s role was to establish clarity and give the client confidence to act quickly, without compromising design, technical or commercial integrity.

The SPARK Approach

1. Structured Invitation To Bid

SPARK issued a detailed design and technical package including developed 3D model, build specification and garage integration plan. This was supplied with a clear deviations matrix, ensuring all bidders quoted against the same baseline.

This created transparent, like-for-like comparisons of cost, scope and schedule between competing builders.

2. Commercial & Technical Due Diligence

A shortlist of specialist builders was identified and invited to bid, with firm bids benchmarked in detail.

SPARK’s analysis identified competitive yards that were able to reuse existing hull platforms, reducing non-recurring costs and offering a preferential build slot.

Each proposal was assessed on experience, quality and capacity, as well as price.

3. Specification Optimisation & Value Engineering

Working closely with the Captain and crew, SPARK further refined the specification, updating some features and simplifying systems while retaining quality and performance.

Targeted adjustments were made to improve reliability, serviceability and build efficiency without compromising aesthetics or function.

4. Risk Management

A formal deliverables and approvals process was established to keep decisions timely and prevent specification drift, protecting the build slot and cost certainty.

5. Third-Party References

Objective feedback was gathered from other client teams, yacht captains and crews to validate the performance and after-sales track record of each shortlisted builder.

6. Export & Delivery Structure

With the mothership operating in EU waters, SPARK helped to coordinate a compliant export and delivery framework for VAT and customs to ensure a seamless transition from completion to handover onboard.

7. Contract Support & Negotiation

SPARK guided both parties through final contract drafting, helping to balance provisions with realistic risk allocation.

The Outcome

• Schedule: Delivery slot secured and aligned with the yacht’s cruising programme.

• Cost Clarity: Transparent variation sheet and itemised options ensured the client knew exactly what they were paying for.

• Decision Agility: A complex, multi-jurisdiction process was channeled into a clear, executable path.

What’s Next?

The project now moves into the post-contract construction phase. SPARK will continue to provide supervision and client representation, including detailed design finalisation, yard progress reviews, sea trials and delivery coordination.

“This project highlights our joined-up approach to achieving clarity in timing, pricing and compliance,” said Charles Dence, Co-Founder of SPARK.

“We safeguarded the delivery window while keeping the design and specification true to the client’s needs.”

“Our approach is about helping clients compare apples with apples, both creatively, technically and commercially,” added Cyril Le Sourd, Co-Founder.

“Bid comparability matters as it avoids confusion between different builder standards so the client knows exactly what they’re getting and what they’re paying for.”

The SPARK team will be in Amsterdam from the 17th to 21st November. If you are planning a tender or chaseboat project with a fixed deadline, please get in touch for an intial discussion.