This paper describes a generalised model that embodies the criteria assessed during the tendering process, where if all the pertinent criteria are met, then the risk when submitting the tender is minimised. This provides a framework for isolating the important tender criteria and relating this to the control of activities in the tendering process. A process model is presented that describes the tendering process at a sufficiently high level that is independent of corporate rationale. A number of subprocess models are included to show how the high level model can be adapted in order to introduce a dynamic element into the tendering process. The results of an initial case study are presented. The subject of the case study is a major engineering systems supplier and it is shown how their tendering process for design and build contracts sits within the tender classification and process models.