How-to: about the bidding process

[Sonny]

I've been asked by a football little league to submit a bid for portrait and team photos. This league has 13 teams with four divisions in each team (Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors) with approximately 25 kids in each division. In addition, each team has a Drill Team consisting of 10 to 30 girls.

For the past three years we've only shot action photography and are familiar with that process alone. We have no previous experience in bidding. It is just my wife and I that run our business and neither of us have a clue where to begin. In addition to the information listed above here this is what else we know:

1. We have price sheets from two other business, so at least we have an idea of how to build and price packages.
2. We will provide order forms and the parents (not the league) will purchase the photos.
3. We'll need to hire one more photographer and 3-5 assistants to help with taking orders, handling money, and prep individuals and groups for photos.
4. We've narrowed down our selection to two labs/printers that specifically deal with these types of large events.

We are looking for local business/photographers that would be willing to meet with us to answer some questions. Any information you can provide is appreciated.

What other resources are available to us? Websites, newspaper articles, magazine editorials, or business consultants?

We believe that this will be a huge but necessary step to grow our business. These questions are only the tip of the iceberg. If anybody can lead me in the right direction I would appreciate it tremendously.


Thank you in advance,
Sonny