why site visit is important

You know what to expect, you've seen the quality of the venue, and you know the location will work for your event.

It's no secret that planning meetings and events is a stressful job. The less unknowns, the better... and that kind of assurance will pay off handily when all is said and done.

#8: Get the most out of your event.

Finally, the success of meetings is typically evaluated by ROI, or return on your substantial investment. To maximize ROI, you want to get the most out of your destination as you can.

Site inspections add even more value to working with a full-service meeting planning provider like Winspire. As meeting planning professionals, we facilitate the entire site visit itinerary from start to finish.

"We check with clients on availability, then schedule the flights, book arrangements with the hotel, make all the appointments, take care of transportation, and keep everyone abreast of the schedule," Davie says. "We let vendors know about the group, how many rooms we need, how many we'll have for dinner, how many will be participating in activities like golfing or kayaking... We go with clients from one appointment to the next, introducing them to vendors, then negotiate rates."

Since the vast majority of Winspire clients elect to do a site inspection, we have years of experience making the most of preliminary visits. Click below or leave a comment to begin brainstorming your next meeting.

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Site Visit Guide

Learning in action.

A Guide to Conducting High-Impact School Visits

Prepared by the Great Schools Partnership for the New England Secondary School Consortium

*This guide was adapted from Learning in Action: How to Conduct and Learn From High-Quality Site Visits , a Smaller Learning Communities Program resource created by Pamela Fisher. Reproduced with permission from the U.S. Department of Education (Contract No. ED-04-CO-0021/0001).

Each year, members of the New England Secondary School Consortium’s  League of Innovative Schools conduct site visits to other member schools. These first-hand observations of school-improvement in practice are a critical part of the regional learning and networking experience that the Consortium is working to facilitate. For this reason, the Great Schools Partnership adapted this step-by-step guide, which will help visiting school teams select appropriate schools, explore the right programs, investigate the evidence of success, and follow up with a practical strategy for sharing and implementing what they have learned with colleagues at their own school. When well planned and thoughtfully coordinated, site visits are powerful professional learning experiences that can make a significant contribution to advancing school improvement.

Designed to offer practical guidance in an accessible, straightforward, user-friendly format,  Learning in Action will help teams maximize their time when visiting another school. This guide contains checklists to help both the visiting and host schools plan and conduct high-impact site visits, in addition to a recommended three-day site-visit schedule that can be modified as needed.

Since site visits allow for only a partial glimpse of strategies that, in many cases, have been developed and refined over years, the recommended three-day site visit builds in time for educators—who may have varying levels of understanding and commitment to school redesign—to absorb, understand, and embrace new ideas. For these and other reasons, the guide urges schools to allocate sufficient time for both the planning process and the site visit itself. When a site visit that is conducted in a spirit of thoughtful reflection and sharing, it creates a mutually beneficial learning experience for both the visiting and host schools.

Download →    Learning in Action: A Guide to Conducting High-Impact School Vis i ts

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Smarter Site Visits

A former colleague and friend at a small education nonprofit recently called to pick my brain about the role of site visits from a foundation perspective.  She was in the midst of planning a visit with a local program officer. A $10,000 grant was on the line, and she wanted everything to go off without a hitch. Her thoughtfully prepared agenda for a day-long visit included stops at staff offices as well as program facilities, viewing education programs in action, and hearing directly from several beneficiaries. Key program and development staff were also well-prepped on talking points regarding the grant request. “Should I be doing more?” she asked.  

This conversation was an excellent reminder that most site visits are highly planned by nonprofits and can take significant effort, staff time, and resources for organizations to implement. For small organizations in particular, that might actually mean time away from directing programs or operations.   

As a program officer at a small, private foundation, I strive to make site visits an efficient and productive platform for mutual learning and relationship-building. But, I began to wonder – were grantees putting in overtime to prepare for meetings with me? If so, were there simple steps I could take to minimize unnecessary stress or work on their behalf?

While I feel a firm responsibility to conduct thorough diligence and hold myself and grantees to high standards, I also want to respect their limited time and resources. In this spirit, I had a candid discussion with grantee Steve Schwartz, the co-founder of Upaya Social Ventures to explore the benefits and challenges of funder visits from the nonprofit perspective. During my conversation with Steve, and through my own site visit experiences, four practices emerged as critical for effective site visits:.

1. Identify your purpose in advance.

As a general best practice, communicate at least one goal for the site visit to nonprofits at least two weeks in advance. If you have an ideal agenda or very specific questions, emailing those before the visit is also very helpful. 

While some flexibility in an agenda is useful, open-ended site visits without a clearly stated goal are often stressful and unproductive for everyone involved. Personally, I find that having a clear purpose helps me develop more focused questions and therefore leads to deeper insights to report back to my board. Even a broad objective such as “learning more about your program model” can be a good starting point.

For Steve, it comes down to effective time management as a busy executive. He notes: “If I’m not sure why a funder wants a meeting, I’ll take extra time pulling together all the information I think they might want to know based on my own assumptions about their interests. But when I know the goal in advance, it saves me time and guesswork. I can focus on answering the questions they’re really interested in.”

2. Ask insightful questions.

I once received great advice to “go tough on issues, but easy on people” during site visits.  As funders, the questions we ask and particularly how we ask them can dramatically shift the overall tone of a meeting. Steve finds that when donors assume a learning, rather than oppositional, approach to questions it helps ease tension and builds more authentic dialogue.

Leading with open-ended questions is one approach to garner valuable information. Some of my favorite open-ended questions to ask include:

• "Did anything unexpected happen since we last spoke?”
• “What does your organization really need right now?”
• “Outside of funding, what are some challenges you are currently facing?”

At the West Foundation, we offer strategic administrative or capacity-building grants to propel organizations forward past some of the challenges they share with us. For example, if an organization has weak marketing materials we might provide pro-bono technical support or fund marketing consultant fees. As a result –and due to our long-term relationship with organizations – when I ask about challenges, they are less afraid to admit imperfections.

In preparation for a meeting, create a list of at least five questions to explore what you want to learn based on the goal of your visit. Then, before the meeting, ask yourself how your questions will be perceived by the nonprofit. Could they be misinterpreted? Should they be re-framed from a more solution-oriented perspective?  Would it be helpful to provide any particular background information on your foundation before posing the questions?  

Be prepared to throw some of your questions out the window if the conversation evolves in a different direction, but have them available to move the meeting forward when necessary. Finally, make sure to save time during the meeting to hear if the organization has any questions for you!

3. Have the right people in the room.

Who you meet with should reflect the goals and questions you select for the visit. Well before a meeting, look over the list of questions you wrote, and then consider whose job description best aligns with your questions. Those are the people you should speak with, so ask in advance if they are available. 

You may not actually need to meet the executive director each time you visit. If you want to more deeply understand the program model, then meeting with the program director instead will give you better insights into about how programs truly operate.

Being clear about who you need to meet with and why is not only a sign of respect for the time of an organization’s staff and volunteers, but it will also make meetings more productive and informative.

4. Follow-Up !

Once you conduct your stellar site visit, now your real work has begun! The site visit is only the start, while great follow-up is equally if not more important to the funding relationship. Both during and after meetings be as transparent as possible about the decision-making process, next steps and, if appropriate, provide specific and constructive feedback when a grant is denied.

Ultimately, when site visits are just one component of ongoing, transparent communication between a funder and a nonprofit it improves relationship dynamics, due diligence efforts, and helps achieve the end results we are all working towards. 

Samantha Alarie-Leca is the inaugural program officer at the West Foundation based in Indianapolis, IN. She is an alumna of Exponent Philanthropy’s Next Gen Fellows program and received a M.S. in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.  

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Smart Meetings

The Importance of Site Visits for Meeting and Incentive Planners

by Guest Author (Michelle Thornton)

January 23, 2020

Most planners travel a lot. They are productive people, making it happen from California to Paris and everywhere in between. Traditionally, sourcing venues starts when a meeting or event is presented (or assigned), we seek out the right venue and then book the perfect space. One secret for finding that just right venue is maintaining a practice of continually seeking out other spaces to site while traveling.

There are many positive reasons to do an additional site or two when you are on the go, but none more important than having your own virtual filing cabinet in your brain of the places you’ve been and seen first-hand. Here are some secrets to developing your own resource treasure trove.

Know what’s in the market

You’re hosting your meeting or event at what’s known as the best hotel in Atlanta…but do you know who their competition is? Have you seen their space? Many suppliers make it a practice to ‘shop’ their comp set. Yet, very few planners do unless we’re sourcing a specific program and city. If your client says, “I heard that XYZ property has a rooftop terrace where we can host a dinner,” you want to be able to confidently respond, “I was actually there last month and yes, it’s outside but it’s a horrible view and wouldn’t work for more than 100 people.” That requires checking out more than just the host venue.

Utilize your partners

Make site visits productive and timely. I love working with my convention and visitor’s bureau and trusted hotelier partners for this. I let them know when I have 2 hours and want to see a variety of (insert group specifics). I give them insight to who could potentially be the client but let them know I am scouting for ‘future’ clients as well. Great CVBs will identify the “where” and help you can see and experience the space in real life, an experience much more powerful than any website floor map or 360-degree view.

Do a quick on-site

Short on time? Can’t get to another location during the meeting or event you’re managing? Then make an effort to take in all of the possibilities where you are. Is a board meeting for 15 people in your future? Cruise by the ballroom when your group is in session to take in what ‘could be’ for another client that hosts galas for 500. Take a walk to the event lawn and imagine the possibilities of events that could happen in that spot. Work with your sales manager at the property to ensure you’ve seen it all. You don’t know if you don’t ask and I love to explore the space on my own to absorb the observations. Note how the staff works, the other events happening and how they are designed…be a sponge. Take it all in.

Read your trade mags

Be aware of what’s up and coming in the market. Is there a new underground venue that you need a password to get into? A new luxe incentive resort in a highly desirable beach destination? You want to know and let your clients know you know…and they need to be there.

While it’s always been about who you know and the value of your network, it’s also about your expertise in your own field and the knowledge of what’s out there because if you know, you know.

Michelle Thornton is director of meetings and incentives with Russell Harris Event Group

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Evaluation Site Visits – Seeing is Knowing

• Posted on April 3, 2019
• In Data Collection , Evaluation

Gathering evaluative information about a program or initiative often relies upon evaluators physically visiting the program’s location in order to observe program operations, to collect evidence of the program’s implementation and outcomes, and to interview staff and program participants. The empirical and observational nature of site visits offer evaluators a unique lens through which to “see” what the program actually is, and how it attempts to achieve the desired outcomes it hopes to achieve.

In their influential article, “Evaluative Site Visits: A Methodological Review,” American Journal of Evaluation, Vol. 24, No. 3, 2003, pp. 341–352, Lawrence, Keiser, and Levoie note that, “An evaluative site visit occurs when persons with specific expertise and preparation go to a site for a limited period of time and gather information about an evaluation object either through their own experience or through the reported experiences of others in order to prepare testimony addressing the purpose of the site visit.” Unlike case studies, which are of longer duration and often of greater depth, and which seek to describe in detail the instance or phenomena under study, site visits are of limited time duration, and are focused on gathering data that ultimately will inform judgement about a program’s worth/value. Site visits typically involve the use of a number of qualitative methods (e.g., individual and focus group interviews, observations, document review, etc. For more information on the kinds of data that site visits permit, see our previous blog post “Just the Facts: Data Collection.”

Michael Quinn Patton summarizes the essential elements of an evaluation site visit:

• Competence–  Ensure that site‐visit team members have skills and experience in qualitative observation and interviewing. Availability and subject matter expertise does not suffice.
• Knowledge–  For an evaluative site visit, ensure at least one team member, preferably the team leader, has evaluation knowledge and credentials.
• Preparation–  Site visitors should know something about the site being visited based on background materials, briefings, and/or prior experience.
• Site participation– People at sites should be engaged in planning and preparation for the site visit to minimize disruption to program activities and services.
• Do no harm– Site‐visit stakes can be high, with risks for people and programs. Good intentions, naiveté, and general cluelessness are not excuses. Be alert to what can go wrong and commit as a team to do no harm.
• Credible fieldwork– People at the site should be involved and informed, but they should not control the information collection in ways that undermine, significantly limit, or corrupt the inquiry. The evaluators should determine the activities observed and people interviewed, and arrange confidential interviews to enhance data quality.
• Neutrality– An evaluator conducting fieldwork should not have a preformed position on the intervention or the intervention model.
• Debriefing and feedback– Before departing from the field, key people at the site should be debriefed on highlights of findings and a timeline of when (or if) they will receive an oral or written report of findings.
• Site review– Those at the site should have an opportunity to respond in a timely way to site visitors’ reports, to correct errors and provide an alternative perspective on findings and judgments. Triangulation and a balance of perspectives should be the rule.
• Follow-up– The agency commissioning the site visit should do some minimal follow‐up to assess the quality of the site visit from the perspective of the locals on site.

Lawrence, Keiser, and Levoie argue that evaluative site visits are not merely a venue in which a range of predominately qualitative methodologies are used, but a specific kind of methodology , which is distinguished by its use of observation. “We believe site visit methodology is based on ontological beliefs about the nature of reality and epistemological beliefs about whether and how valid knowledge can be achieved. Ontologically, in order to conduct site visits the evaluator must assume that there is a reality that can be seen or sensed and described. Epistemologically, site visits are based in the belief that site visitors are legitimate, sensing instruments and that they can obtain valid information through first-hand encounters with the object being evaluated.”

Accordingly, site visits are where evaluators can get “the feel” of what a program is and does. As a result, site visits are a critical means through which evaluators gather and interpret data with which to make judgements about the value and effects of a program.

“Evaluative Site Visits: A Methodological Review,” Frances Lawrenz, Nanette Keiser, and Bethann Lavoie, American Journal of Evaluation, Vol. 24, No. 3, 2003, pp. 341–352.

See Michael Quinn Patton quoted in Editors’ Note , Randi K. Nelson and Denise L. Roselan, New Directions in Evaluation , December, 2017

“Using Qualitative Interviews in Program Evaluations”

Conducting and Using Evaluative Site Visits: New Directions for Evaluation, Number 156, February 2018

“Developmental Evaluation: Evaluating Programs in the Real World’s Complex and Unpredictable Environment”

Glitches in Philanthropy?

Talking back to foundations, recommended posts.

What is Evaluation and Why Do It?

The Post-Pandemic Future for Nonprofits

Providing Timely Information: Program Monitoring

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Meridian West Consultants

The importance of attending site visits.

Assuming you know what a construction site looks like, or that you understand the entire Request for Proposal (RFP) package is a big mistake. Make no assumptions and learn all you can about the site and the solicitation before putting your hat in the ring. This means attending Site Visits!

The purpose of Site Visits is to allow offerors to obtain a better understanding of site conditions and the work required, as well as gather quality information about the solicitation and familiarize yourself with the procuring agency. Site Visit information is stated in solicitation documents and can be either mandatory or optional, they are usually held a few weeks after the solicitation has been issued and a few weeks prior to submission due date.

Attending site visits, weather mandatory or not, has many benefits and can provide an advantage in the proposal preparation process. Joining in on Site Visits gives offerors opportunities like these:

Evaluate ability to meet solicitation and project requirements

Converse with procuring agency to obtain knowledge about best practices regarding administration and the site

Understand site conditions and upcoming challenges and adapt a suitable plan

Determine accurate resource and material allocation

Comprehend scope of work to better create the bid price

Ability to gather questions regarding the site or proposal preparation so you can formally ask according to solicitation instructions

Contact Meridian West to help you get registered for the site visit. We can also help you create and submit your questions afterwards. Attending Site Visits will add value to the proposal preparation process as well as the overall project performance. It can be the first step to a successfully completed project.

We've laid out a list of Pro Tips to help you make the most of every site visit below.

Pro Tip #1 : Prior to visiting the site, review solicitation documents including scope of work, drawings, designs, as well as proposal submission and evaluation criteria. This will help you understand what specific questions you have about the site and can help you assess where you should focus your attention. Reviewing these documents will also help you gather initial questions that you might have the opportunity to get answered at the visit.

Pro Tip #2 : Take as many photos of the site as possible. Photos will be a good reminder of certain aspects of the site when you are preparing your technical proposal or developing a price. Pay special attention and take extra photos of areas of the site that might provide potential problems or concerns.

Pro Tip #3 : Once you have visited the site and formed all the questions you have it is important to ask them according to solicitation requirements and in a timely manner, at least by the required deadline, if not, sooner. It’s also beneficial to form questions in a way that is easy for Contracting Officer’s to answer, if possible, a simple yes or no answer.

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Why Site Visits Are Important in the Solar Project Lifecycle

Site visits are a crucial part of any solar project, as they help ensure not only a smooth installation, but also the long-term effectiveness of the system. Let’s find out more about site visits, why they’re important, and the precautions being taken in the wake of COVID-19.

What Is a Site Visit?

A site visit is an in-person inspection of a proposed location for a solar project completed by a solar professional — usually the project engineer. The goal is to examine the site for structural and environmental factors that play a role in determining the system’s size, design, and position on the property, as well as identifying any safety concerns relevant to an installation. Economic factors, such as the percentage of the site’s annual electricity costs the system will offset, are also taken into account. Solar developers use these findings to create a detailed project proposal, and ultimately design the system.

Why Are Site Visits Important?

Site visits are important because they reveal details that can affect the installation or performance of the solar system. One example is solar access, or how much sunlight the site receives year-round. This information is critical since the more time a solar panel spends in the shade, the less energy it produces. Utility poles, chimneys, or vegetation such as trees can all produce unwanted shading, and noting such impediments during a site visit allows developers to mitigate their effects when designing the system. Site topography and roof orientation are also important — in the northern hemisphere, solar panels should be mounted facing south to ensure optimal sunlight exposure.

Technical assessments are made during site visits as well, most notably scoping out potential locations for equipment. This includes identifying potential interconnection points and inspecting the area between them and the proposed solar array for encumbrances. Finally, the solar professional conducting the site visit will investigate any potential constraints for accessing the site, discuss when the system can be installed, and note any other technical requirements of the project.

COVID-19 Site Visit Precautions

Since site visits are done in person, special precautions must be taken to limit possible transmission of COVID-19. At PowerFlex, strict policies have been implemented to ensure the health and safety of both our clients and our employees. In addition to following CDC guidelines during site visits, such as maintaining 6 feet of social distance and wearing a face covering at all times, PowerFlex requires employees to conduct temperature checks at home prior to visiting a work site. Employees who exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, or have been in close contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19, are required to stay home. Conducting site visits is a key part of the process, and we’ve established new best practices to maintain the safety and health of all involved parties.

Year after year for over a decade, PowerFlex has provided high-profile clients like Target , ASICS , and Bloomberg L.P. with turnkey solar and energy storage solutions that help lower energy costs and meet sustainability goals. Contact us today for a free consultation, and see what going solar can do for your business.

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Dashpivot article – Purpose of Site Visit Report

Purpose of Site Visit Report

What is the purpose of a site visit report.

A site visit report serves as a crucial tool in the realm of project management, bridging the gap between on-ground realities and managerial oversight.

Its primary purpose is to document firsthand observations, activities, and conditions of a specific site at a given time, offering a snapshot of the project's progress, challenges, and accomplishments.

By detailing these insights, the report ensures transparent communication with all stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making.

Moreover, it fosters accountability, as any deviations or issues highlighted can be promptly addressed.

Such reports also play an essential role in risk management, as they can identify potential problems early on, enabling proactive interventions.

In essence, a site visit report is a testament to the project's trajectory, fostering informed decisions, trust, and continuous improvement

What should be in your site visit report?

The primary objectives of a site visit report include:

• Documentation: The report provides an official record of observations, discussions, and activities that took place during the visit. It can be referred to in the future to track changes, decisions, or to verify certain events or conditions at the site on the specific visit date.
• Communication: The report effectively communicates the status and conditions of a project or site to stakeholders who weren't present during the visit. This can include senior management, clients, partners, or regulatory bodies.
• Accountability: By recording findings, deviations, or issues, the report holds involved parties accountable for addressing the identified concerns. Recommendations and action items specified in the report can set a path for corrective actions.
• Decision-Making: The documented observations and recommendations can inform subsequent decisions related to the project or site. This can pertain to budget adjustments, changes in project timelines, resource allocation, or any strategic shifts.
• Risk Management: The report can identify potential risks or hazards, leading to preemptive solutions or interventions before issues escalate.
• Tracking Progress: For ongoing projects, regular site visit reports offer a sequential record of progress. By comparing consecutive reports, stakeholders can gauge if the project is on track, if quality standards are maintained, and if milestones are achieved as planned.
• Quality Assurance: The report can highlight areas where quality standards are either met or lacking, ensuring that the final output meets the expected criteria.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: In certain industries, maintaining a detailed site visit report is a regulatory requirement. These reports can be audited or reviewed by external agencies to ensure adherence to standards, laws, or regulations.
• Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Feedback on various aspects of the project, including performance of teams, effectiveness of methods, or utility of tools and equipment, can lead to process improvements in the future.
• Building Trust: Regular, transparent, and comprehensive reports can build trust between clients, stakeholders, and the executing team, as they provide tangible evidence of commitment, progress, and challenges.

In essence, a site visit report serves as a bridge between on-ground realities and the higher-level management or decision-making entities, ensuring that all parties are well-informed and aligned.

See a completed site visit report below to see how you can tie in the purpose to the execution of the report.

Use and customise this free Site Visit Report template

Make it easy for your team to record site visit reports.

Use a standardised site visit report template to make it quick and easy for your team to record site visit reports on site.

All the fields and sections you need are pre-built into the report, which is also customisable specific to your project or location with the drag and drop form builder.

Add sections for photos and attach them directly to your report for easy referenceability.

Take attendance and keep track in your form with tables, with multiple sign on options with even QR code scanning signatures.

Create digital site visit report processes

Site visit reports are only useful if your team has access to them when they need it, to track project progress and record new site visits easily.

Use a   site visit report app so your team can capture site visit report details on site via their mobile or tablet and sync it directly back to the office once it's submitted.

Create automated workflows to plan, conduct and sign off on site visit reports, with automatic notifications for responsible parties when the next step is ready.

Share site visit reports in a single click as professionally formatted PDF or CSV so your team, or even external 3rd parties, are always up to date.

Photos taken will have automatic timestamps, geotagging and you can add photo markup to highlight important information, defects or changes.

Site diary template

Complete and organise your daily diaries more efficiently.

Meeting Minutes template

Capture, record and organise those meeting minutes.

Progress Claim template

Streamline and automate the progress claim process to get paid faster and look more professional.

Sitemate builds best in class tools for built world companies.

About Nick Chernih

Nick is the Senior Marketing Manager at Sitemate. He wants more people in the Built World to see the potential of doing things a different way - just because things are done one way doesn't mean it's the best way for you.

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Site Visits – What Are They and How Can I Benefit?

30th january 2019.

Table of Contents

What is a Site Visit?

Last updated: Jun 7, 2022 @ 3:56 pm

Site visits are a component of the tendering process . They involve visiting the site where you are hoping to deploy your services, for the purposes of gaining in-depth information.

Are site visits common?

Within certain sectors, yes. Site Visits are not a universal aspect of tendering. You may find on one tender that it is compulsory to attend a site visit, for another that it is optional and for another, it is not offered as a possibility. This is yet another reason for reading the tender documents thoroughly. Not all tender documents are laid out in the same way. The information pertaining to potential site visits could be buried in an unlikely section of your documents.

Why do we need site visits?

Depending on the sector that you are tendering within, site visits may or may not be integral. If you work in Construction , Energy, Facilities Management or similar, then site visits are incredibly important for the following reasons:

Information gains

• Site visits pose a valuable source of information that you may not get from the tender documents .
• They present an opportunity to get detailed information from people who are knowledgeable about the site.

Accurate pricing

• If you are required to submit a pricing document, site visits give you the chance to gain meaningful information that you would never be able to glean from just the tender documents or internet searches. This will allow you to produce a realistic pricing strategy , preventing you from erroneously pricing too high or too low.

Better quality responses

• Site visits are invaluable for gathering details that will strengthen your quality responses, especially those that focus on Health & Safety, Contract Implementation and Risk Assessment & Mitigation.
• You can clarify any doubts that you may have about the information provided in the tender documents. This will again help you in your journey towards the completion of a detailed, competitive tender submission .

Site visit outcomes

There are several things that can happen as a result of a successful Site Visit.

• You could simply come away with more information to include in your tender submission , which is always a fantastic result.
• You may find that the tender deadline is extended if enough doubts, queries or clarifications are raised during the visit that causes the Buyer to consider releasing updated tender information.

How do I make the most out of my site visit?

Fortune favours the prepared. Before you go on your site visit, make sure you have covered the following points:

• Know as much about the Buyer as you can before you go. This will mean that you don’t waste valuable time asking questions that you could already know the answers to.
• Make a list of all the information you need to learn and take it with you. You might be confident that you have enough information about H&S requirements, but that you need a lot more information to help with pricing.
• Be confident and ask questions, even if you think the answer is probably obvious. Showing engagement throughout the site visit will stand you in good stead if you end up making it through to a Presentation Stage.
• Look for visual clues. You will be able to tell a lot about the Buyer and their work culture, especially regarding everyday H&S matters. This information could help you write a tender that emphasises areas you realised are more important to the buyer than others.

In conclusion

If you are hoping to supply a service that is deployed on a buyer’s site, then site visits are an unmissable opportunity to gain detailed, relevant information that could give your tender the defining edge. Don’t see them as an exercise in futility, but an opportunity to gain the upper hand over your fellow tenderers. If you ask smart questions, pay attention to the environment and embed as much of the information gained into your submission as possible, you will find that the quality of your tender submissions can grow exponentially. Partaking in a site visit can help you write a winning bid when tendering for contracts .

For more information or help with tender writing , please contact our Bid Writers and bid management consultants.

To find tender opportunities in your industry see our sector-specific tendering portals HERE .

Are you looking to learn more about tendering and procurement? See Tender VLE for our free, online, masterclasses.

Find more helpful tips and advice in our blogs. We cover topics including:

• How to win a tender
• The tendering process
• Writing winning bids
• 7 tips for tendering for contracts
• Tips for bid management
• Bid writing services
• The types of tendering procedures
• Writing bids
• Bid writing consultants
• Submitting a tender response
• And many more .

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• Published 7 June 2019

The Importance of Site Visits When Tendering

A common misassumption made when thinking about site visits.

You may be thinking you book the site visit; you attend, you scout out the competition and away you go. However, you don’t always get to see the competition on a site visit. Some visits may be a scheduled one-on-one venture with the buyer.

What is a site visit and why is it important?

A site visit allows prospective suppliers to understand the buyer a little more as part of their procurement process. It allows prospective suppliers the opportunity to see the potential site they will be working on. Some will get inspiration from this and it may give you more to talk about in your response.

Site visits are optional and not mandatory to attend. However, we encourage you to go where possible. You can utilise these site visits to show commitment, individuality and stronger capabilities throughout your tender response .

By visiting a site in real life, you’ll be able to gain a considerable amount of information. This is information that you otherwise wouldn’t have if solely relying on the internet and specification. The internet can only do so much.

The advantages of site visits:

Site visits enable you to meet the buyer and help you better understand their requirements, mission and values. They also enable you to see how well you fit if you were to be a member of their supply chain. Some advantages to site visits include:

1. Accurate pricing

You will be able to see the environment first-hand. This may be particularly useful allowing you to price more accurately in the case of  Construction ,  Facilities  or  Logistics .

For example, by actually seeing and assessing the size of rooms, a  cleaning supplier  can cost more effectively. All thanks to the site visit.

2. Better quality responses

Site visits are invaluable for gathering details that will strengthen your quality responses. Particularly those that focus on  health and safety , contract implementation and risk assessment and mitigation.

Site visits pose a valuable source of information that you may not otherwise get from tender documents. They present the opportunity to get more detailed information from people who know the site. We encourage all clients to undergo these visits to feedback any information that could potentially support content development.

Our Head of Bid Management, Daniel Hall, gave this as an example:

“We had previously worked alongside an organisation who had to visit a specific site in accordance with buyer requirements. This site visit was optional and not mandatory to attend.  

“Whilst there, the buyer had expressed that they had seen a few major issues with the incumbent supplier. They highlighted further issues that had not been specifically stated in the tender documentation.  

“This automatically put our client at an advantage over their competition that didn’t bother to attend.   Although, of course, everything disclosed to suppliers on a site visit, should be then circulated around to all suppliers.

“However, something so little said in passing, could be a point that is not worth mentioning in the tender documents, but is a point worth mentioning in your response.

“Our client fed this back to our Tender Consultants team. Due to us describing ways in which we can add value and benefits in light of some issues highlighted. We not only scored high marks in the bid but won our client a 5-year contract to deliver the services.

“The buyer had commented on our submission. They stated how our recognition and ability to address current and ongoing needs is what sealed the deal.”

There are some big differences with site visits across the public and private sector.

Private sector site visits

The  private sector  is not bound by public procurement regulations and therefore work can be sourced however the buyer pleases. They can even decide not to offer site visits at all. It’s their own private money – not taxpayer’s money. So, the need for open and transparent procedures aren’t necessarily required.

The number of times we have heard  ‘when I’m in front of the buyer – I’ll win the work’.  That’s never usually the case in the public sector. This is unless a huge weighting of the mark is focused on an interview stage.

Public sector site visits

Public sector  site visits have to be fair, open to all. Anything that gets discussed on these have to be circulated with the other competitors.

This is why site visits usually occur on a specific date with multiple prospective suppliers in attendance. It’s easier for the buyer to circulate this information and remain transparent during their procurement process with multiple tenderers.

How do I make the most out of my site visits?

Before you undertake a site visit, it’s best to be prepared. Make sure you have covered the following points:

• Make a list of all the information you need to learn and take it with you.
• Learn as much about the buyer as you can before you go. We always advise whoever is attending to read and digest the specified requirements prior. You don’t want to ask the most basic questions to your prospective client. It would be embarrassing for them to reply saying ‘that’s in the  tender documentation’ .
• Be confident and ask  clarification questions , only where clarity is due. It’s always best to clarify and show engagement with the buyer. This can put you in good stead.
• Look for visual clues. You’ll be able to tell a lot about the buyer and their work culture. This information could help you write a tender that emphasises areas that are more important to the buyer than others.

For a more detailed insight, watch our  free site visits masterclass .

Need support?

If you require any support in managing your bid responses and tackling site visits – we can help!

Our sister company,  Hudson Succeed , offers four tender support and tender writing packages. Our Bid Writing Team proudly hold an 87% success rate and have over 60 years of collective bid writing experience. When it comes to site visits, we know the drill!

Tender Ready

Our  Tender Ready  programme is designed for those who have never tendered before. This programme works with you to ensure you have everything you need to tender successfully. This includes an organisation-wide bid library and subscription to one  Discover tender portal .

Tender Writing

Once you’ve found the right tender for your business,  send it  our way. service. One of our  Bid Writers  will write and submit the bid on your behalf. They’ll make any necessary amendments, providing you with a full  Tender Writing  breakdown.

Tender Improvement

Our  Tender Improvement  programme can help if you’ve already been tendering for work but aren’t seeing results. During the course of the programme, our Bid Writers will assess your previous submissions and supporting documents. They’ll then give you feedback and guidance on how to improve, increasing your chances of success.

Tender Mentor

Tender Mentor  can assist you if you need someone to complete a final proofread of your response. Our Bid Writers will look over your response, making sure you’ve answered all the requirements from the specification. They’ll also notify you of any spelling or grammatical mistakes before you submit.

Where to find the right tendering opportunities for your business

Finding the right tendering opportunity for your business can take a large part out of your day. There are thousands of websites posting hundreds of live tenders daily from across the UK. Searching for the right one can turn into a full-time job!

Our 11 sector-specific Discover portals saves you time when searching for the right tender. You might be missing out on opportunities if you’re relying on inaccurate  CPV codes . Our Opportunity Trackers manually scour and upload live tenders from thousands of websites daily. You’re able to filter the results by keyword, budget, location and more – streamlining the process.

Hudson Discover  houses 11 sector-specific tendering portals

• Creative Tenders
• Construction Tenders
• Healthcare Tenders
• Facilities Tenders
• Logistics Tenders
• Research Tenders
• Technology Tenders
• Consultancy Tenders
• Hospitality Tenders
• Finance Tenders

A subscription to one of our portals includes:

• An on-hand Account Manager to answer any of your tendering questions or site visit queries.
• Discounted support from Hudson Succeed.
• A free 20-minute phone call of bid consultancy every month with one of our Bid Experts.
• A daily email bulletin containing all the live tenders that have been upload that day, straight to your inbox.

If that wasn’t enough, you can upgrade any portal with our Discover Elite service. These time-saving packages help you identify tenders – even when you’re busy.

The Ultimate Time Saver offers your business:

• An annual subscription to a maximum of two Hudson tender portals of your choice.
• A dedicated Account Manager.
• Weekly phone calls to discuss viable tendering opportunities.
• Award and pre-market engagement notices monitored on your behalf.
• Five tender breakdowns per month.
• Buyer portal management including registration, password management, downloading documents and assessing viability based on your  bid or no-bid

Become a Pre-Bid Master includes:

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Get in touch  for more information about how we can grow your business.

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Vendor Site Visits: When, Why, and Examples

By: Christine Kitamura on March 21 2023

We all know the due diligence process can be a bit tedious and time-consuming. Still, it's an absolute must before onboarding and monitoring your vendors. The due diligence process generally involves collecting and reviewing vendor information based on the vendor's inherent risk.

Virtual or on-site visits may also be part of your due diligence process and can be especially valuable when you're dealing with critical or high-risk vendors. Site visits may seem like yet another task to add to your endless to-do list, but they can play an important role in your due diligence process and your overall third-party risk management program.

What a Vendor Site Visit Is and Why It’s Necessary

A vendor site visit is essentially an opportunity to check in on your critical or high-risk vendors and get a point-in-time assessment of their risk management practices. It's important to note that a site visit isn't intended to be a surprise inspection focusing solely on a vendor's issues. Rather, it's a scheduled event requiring proper planning and coordination between the vendor and your organization.  Whether site visits are conducted virtually or in person, they can reveal useful information about the vendor that might not be discovered through regular document collection. They also open the door for more genuine and trustworthy relationships with your vendors. 

Types of Situations That May Require a Vendor Site Visit

Now that you understand the basics of a vendor site visit, you might wonder when a site visit would need to be conducted. How can your organization benefit by visiting a vendor virtually or in person? 

Here are a few examples:

• The vendor is unwilling to provide physical documents. Some vendors may be unable or unwilling to provide copies of their due diligence documents . A vendor site visit would allow you to review those documents in person.
• You need to see the physical workspace. During a site visit, you can confirm whether the vendor's workspace meets your contractual expectations around security and organization. You can also validate if important safety measures are in place or better understand who is doing the work and how it is accomplished.
• Employees need to be interviewed. A site visit provides a good opportunity for one-on-one discussions with individuals, such as the director of information security or call center team leaders. During the visit, you can ask follow up questions related to your findings.

Common Red Flags to Watch for in a Vendor Site Visit

When performing a vendor site visit, you should be aware of several red flags to document and report on as needed. You'll want to discuss any issues with the vendor and confirm how and when they'll resolve them. If necessary, you can then provide your findings to your organization's senior management and the board. 

Some common red flags during a site visit include:

• Poor cybersecurity practices. Unsecure passwords, outdated penetration testing reports, and a lack of acceptable encryption standards are just a few examples of poor cybersecurity practices you might discover during a site visit.
• Lack of safety protocols. Emergency first aid stations and accident or incident logs are especially critical for vendors within the manufacturing industry. A site visit can reveal whether these safety protocols are adequate. 
• Minimal security controls. Physical security is sometimes overlooked during site visits, but it can be just as critical as cybersecurity. Non-working cameras, open access to restricted areas, and poor basic security protocols are other red flags you may discover during the visit.

Remember that a vendor site visit should be used as a supplement, not a substitution, for your overall due diligence activities . It’s helpful to visit your vendor to get first-hand insight into controls that can't be validated through desktop research. Site visits also allow you an opportunity to directly address any issues that arise and create a plan to resolve them. Virtual and on-site vendor visits can also create a more open relationship between your organization and the vendor. 

Vendor site visits can provide your organization with an extra layer of protection against vendor risk. This handy checklist will help you ensure you're getting the most out of site visits.

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The Importance of Site Visits

Your expectation when buying a house or any other property is high, and it’s justified considering the investment that’s required and the promises the developers make.

It is crucial to frequently go for site visits to ensure that your expectations are rightfully met. Read on to know more about the various benefits of site visits.

• You get to see the progress – Site visits let you see the actual progress of the construction. Checking the progress through calls may leave you blindsided. The developers usually provide a timeline for the entire project at the beginning itself. You could time your visits according to this timeline to check the progress.
• Location & surrounding–  When you visit the project site frequently, you can familiarise yourself with the routes & the nearby locality. The connectivity and accessibility to the project are a significant advantage when you move into your new home.
• Quality Inspection – Regular quality inspection is a very crucial point to consider when going for site visits. Frequent site visits can help you get a general overview of the material used in the construction. Doing thorough research on the brands used at the construction site can help you keep a check on the overall quality of the construction.

Investing in a property is a very substantial amount of expenditure on your part. And, typically, you would expect to get something equally good in return. You can ensure this by being slightly proactive when it comes to site visits. So, don’t be lazy. Book an appointment and schedule the site visit.

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The Importance of Site Visits

By the Sales Director for Framing at voestalpine Metsec plc

There are several elements that contribute to a successful build; products, materials, people and design to name a few. While training and development are hailed as important foundations for a smooth-running project, there are other factors to consider that play a critical role in the success of an installation.

Site visits are one such element. Often overlooked in the planning of a project, they are important in both mitigating risk and controlling costs for installers, manufacturers and end clients. There are many different inspection models dependent on the type of works being completed, such as structural, architectural or mechanical & electrical. Regardless of which discipline, site visits help ensure that work is progressing as intended. Working in partnership with the contractor or end client, it provides an independent view of the works and how the job is moving ahead.

We offer site visits to all of our projects as we view them as a key part of the progress and success of a project. Not there to sign off the building, we simply give an independent ‘second pair of eyes’ that ensure that the framing is being installed in accordance with the design. This is important to avoid any long-term building issues.

The cost implications of errors in the installation stages can jeopardise the entire delivery of a project and ensuring that all product is being installed in accordance with the design can alleviate delays in project completion. Recent research showed that the cost of errors is between £10 billion and £25 billion a year, which exceeds the average profit margin for the industry.

We underwrite our designs and warranty them, but this is only if the installer has built the product in accordance with our design – and this is a tricky topic. While site visits are an important part of managing a project, quality work needs to be underpinned by appropriate training. It’s also important to select reputable companies to partner with on a project.

When it comes to selecting a manufacturer, you need a company with the relevant accreditations, such as CE marking and verification to BIM Level 2 if applicable, as well as in-house design and detailing capabilities. Metsec, along with the aforementioned in-house skills and qualifications, offers a warranty on all the designs it produces.

Similarly, it’s crucial that a proven installer is selected. SFS projects are largely self-assessed by the sub-contractor, which is why we strongly recommend that an approved Metsec Framing installer is engaged. We advocate the use of these installers as they provide assurance that the design is implemented and that the framing element of the package is installed correctly. Any delays in the early stages of a project can cost the end client dearly, both financially and in timing.

For those with well-established relationships with preferred installers, Metsec also offers training courses to these partners to ensure all parties that implement Metsec SFS designs do so with a full and applied understanding of the product and its assembly.

Site visits are best practice when it comes to a construction project, but they are more than that. While we advise the installer as to whether the product has been implemented correctly in accordance with our guidelines, if it hasn’t there is very little recourse for the client.

That’s why we think it’s important to not only check the installation, but to offer our assistance. We offer training ahead of the project, but also have an accredited list of approved installers and suggest that they are used for Metsec projects to give clients that extra peace of mind.

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Politics latest: Scottish first minister Yousaf resigns after 'biggest political miscalculation of his career'

Humza Yousaf has announced his resignation as SNP leader and Scotland's first minister following the fallout from his decision to end the SNP's powersharing agreement with the Scottish Greens.

Monday 29 April 2024 19:40, UK

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• Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge is live - watch in stream above
• Yousaf quits as Scottish FM after ending powersharing deal
• Outgoing SNP leader admits he 'underestimated' hurt caused
• The contenders who could replace him in Scotland's top job
• Analysis: The biggest political miscalculation of Yousaf's career
• Explained: How did we get here - and what happens next?
• Daily podcast: Does this spell end for Scottish independence?
• Live reporting by Faith Ridler and (earlier)  Samuel Osborne

Next up is Alex Salmond, the former first minister of Scotland and current leader of the Alba Party.

Asked for his reaction to the day's events, he says: "I do feel for Humza (Yousaf) today, I mean I've been there, I've done a resignation speech as first minister."

Mr Salmond says most people in politics aspire to be in the "top job", adding: "It's a great wrench when you leave it."

Sophy then asks about suggestions that the Alba Party could prop up the Scottish government with their one MSP. The source said: "That would be like doing a deal with the devil."

What does it say that Mr Yousaf would rather collapse his own leadership than make a deal with the Alba Party?

"Well, what it says is it is not true," Mr Salmond says. 

He adds: "I'm not certain that everyone around Humza Yousaf was acting in his best interests."

The politician points to a Times newspaper story from this morning that claimed Mr Yousaf would resign - and be replaced by John Swinney.

"That might well be accurate," he says. "But I'm very puzzled by this."

Mr Salmond also questions reports that Mr Yousaf was trying to save his job in a phone call to Ash Regan at 7.30am today.

Sophy asks him to clarify whether he thinks there was a plot to oust Mr Yousaf in favour of Mr Swinney.

The Alba Party leader points again to The Times front page.

"Somebody briefed The Times newspaper," he says.

Sophy Ridge puts to Douglas Ross that he is the "Keir Starmer of Scotland", having used the SNP's latest leadership crisis to call for an early election.

Sir Keir has done just that at Westminster on many occasions, having seen the Tories replace both Boris Johnson and Liz Truss since he became Labour leader.

Scottish Conservatives leader Mr Ross says 17 years of SNP rule has worsened the country, and claims that waiting lists in Scotland are the "worst anywhere in the United Kingdom".

He says his inbox is "full of people" who can't see a GP or get the surgery they need.

"We know more and more people in Scotland are going private because they can't wait in pain," he says.

Mr Ross denies it is the "unspoken political truth" that his party needs the SNP to do OK in order to avoid Labour "mopping up" seats.

"These are nationalists who want to divide our country all over again, just like they did in 2014. So I want to see as many of them removed from office as possible," he says.

Next up on the show is Douglas Ross, leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

He tells Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge that Humza Yousaf's departure was "inevitable" after his decision to "dump" the Greens out of government.

Asked if there is an SNP frontrunner his party fears the most, Mr Ross says there will be "no contest" with John Swinney likely to be crowned leader.

"It will be more of the same, which is focusing on independence at the expense of the real priorities that people across Scotland have," he says.

Mr Ross also calls for an election in Holyrood.

Keith Brown, the SNP's deputy leader, is then asked whether an election should be called for the Scottish parliament - which is not due until 2026.

He says: "No I don't.

"In Scotland we have a fixed term parliament set by Westminster. People elected MSPs in 2021, they expect them to serve a five-year term."

Mr Brown says those calling for an election - "particularly the Labour Party" - should consider "they have had eight leaders in the time that we've had two leaders".

He adds: "I think in Scotland what people are interested in is making sure we don't end up, as has happened in the rest of the UK, having to pay subscription charges, huge council tax hikes that we've seen in the rest of the UK..."

Sophy interrupts, pointing out the SNP would be accusing another party in this position of not having a mandate.

Mr Brown says: "I think it's important to bear in mind the circumstances."

First up with Sophy Ridge is Keith Brown, the deputy leader of the SNP.

He is asked who he thinks the next leader of his party should be, and says this needs to be "somebody who is experienced and somebody who will bring unity hopefully to the parliament but also to the party".

Mr Brown says one person who would do that is John Swinney, a name we have heard many leading SNP figures back today.

"There may well be others of course as well," he adds.

The deputy leader is then pressed on the possibility of Mr Swinney becoming first minister, and a warning from MP Joanna Cherry that there is "no need for an unseemly rush by the (old) boys' club to stitch up the succession".

He says: "The majority of the cabinet are female and of course we had a very lengthy period with a female leader, so anybody can come forward for this contest.

"I just mention John Swinney as one person who would meet the criteria that I think is very important for the new leader, whoever that is."

We're kicking off tonight's Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge  with - what else - the resignation of Humza Yousaf.

The leader of the SNP, who only took on the role in March last year, has been at the centre of a chaotic few days in Holyrood after he made the surprise announcement to end his powersharing deal with the Scottish Greens on Thursday.

Mr Yousaf cut ties following a bitter row over the SNP's climbdown on climate targets as he said the agreement between the parties had "served its purpose".

But as a result, his former Green allies teamed up with the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats to get behind no confidence motions designed to force him out.

Ahead of those votes taking place, Mr Yousaf stepped down as Scotland's first minister just after midday on Monday as he said he was "not willing to treat my values and principles or do deals with whomever simply for retaining power".

Before we get into tonight's interviews, get a catch-up on the story from our political reporter Alix Culbertson .

It's a hugely significant day in politics.

Humza Yousaf, first minister of Scotland, has stepped down. 

Why did he do it? Who’s going to replace him? How much significance does it have for the wider fate of the SNP?

We'll discuss all that on the show tonight.

But there's something else I've been thinking a lot about today.

Mr Yousaf became first minister in March 2023… so he's only been in the job for just over a year.

Don't get me wrong – in comparison to Liz Truss, he's a leadership veteran. But still… a year. That's not very long, is it?

And it feels the wider change in the SNP's fortunes has happened at a whiplash speed.

The dominant force in Scottish politics for so long, now - while still dominant - under more pressure than at any time in over a decade.

Whether it's the former chief executive of the party charged with embezzlement, the failure to live up to promises on climate or education, or a resurgent Labour Party, the SNP has an electoral fight ahead.

Mr Yousaf is a child of the SNP's summer and many believe ill-prepared to fight in these changing conditions.

But still… a year in the job. Just 48 hours ago, he was telling Sky News he would defy a vote of no confidence.

It really does show how quickly modern political power can evaporate.

Our weeknight politics show  Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge  is live now on Sky News.

The fast-paced programme dissects the inner workings of Westminster, with interviews, insights, and analysis - bringing you, the audience, into the corridors of power.

Sophy will be joined by leader of the  Scottish Conservatives Douglas Ross ,  depute leader of the SNP Keith Brown  and  former first minister Alex Salmond .

On her panel tonight are:

• Former Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt;
• Labour's Baroness Shami Chakrabarti.

Watch  Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge  from Monday to Thursday on Sky channel 501, Virgin channel 602, Freeview channel 233, on the  Sky News website  and  app  or on  YouTube .

The SNP's former Westminster leader Ian Blackford has joined successor Stephen Flynn in backing John Swinney to replace Humza Yousaf.

Earlier, Mr Flynn described Mr Swinney - a former leader of the party - as "a safe pair of hands" who "wants to see Scotland become a better place" ( see 17.40 post ).

Mr Blackford told Sky News he agrees.

"John brings a wealth of experience, a lifetime in politics both at Westminster and at Holyrood," he said.

He said he had "demonstrated fantastic leadership skills over a long period of time", including previous occasions on which the SNP has led a minority government at Holyrood.

With the party having been in power since 2007, he admitted it needs to "demonstrate we're worth of the trust of the public".

But he dismissed the prospect of an early election, pointing to the "extraordinary mandate" the SNP received at the 2021 election.

By Daniel Dunford , senior data journalist

There might not be a general election just yet, but there are important votes that will define how the areas around us are run for the next four years. 

See what's happening where you are here:

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What to watch for in Tuesday's Pennsylvania primaries

Pennsylvania primary voters will cast ballots Tuesday in a series of critical races in the key battleground state, even as both the presidential and Senate primaries are mere formalities.

They include a bitterly fought Democratic primary around Pittsburgh and a primary in eastern Pennsylvania that features a moderate Republican seeking to fend off a right-wing challenger. 

What’s more, activists upset with President Joe Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war are urging Democrats to write “uncommitted” on the state’s primary ballot . And in the GOP primary, Republicans looking to cast protest votes against former President Donald Trump can still find former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who ended her campaign last month, on their ballots. 

Pennsylvania is one of the most evenly divided states in the country, so both parties will be searching for any clues the primary may offer about the November election.

With polls closing at 8 p.m. ET., here’s what to watch for Tuesday.

A House district where the war in Gaza is front and center

In the 12th Congressional District, Democratic Rep. Summer Lee faces a challenge from Edgewood Borough Council member Bhavini Patel in a race that has put the Israel-Hamas war front and center.

Lee, a member of the progressive “squad” in Congress and one of the first lawmakers to call for a cease-fire, has accused the Israeli government of committing “war crimes” and called for an end to unconditional military aid to the country, and on Saturday she joined 36 Democrats and 21 Republicans in voting against an aid package to the country, which passed overwhelmingly. She and Republican Rep. Scott Perry were the only Pennsylvania members to vote against it.

Patel, who launched her campaign days before Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, has sought to cut into Lee’s support by saying her refusal to distance herself from groups and activists calling for an “uncommitted” primary vote will hurt Biden this fall.

Lee, who won her first primary race in 2022 after she overcame a raft of spending from groups aligned with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, is looking stronger this time around. She’s well-defined in the district and has framed her bid around taking on Trump-aligned Republicans and bringing federal dollars to the district. The same AIPAC-aligned groups that fought her last time aren’t spending on the race this time around.

The district includes Squirrel Hill, one of the country’s most prominent historically Jewish neighborhoods and site of the massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue , where a white supremacist killed 11 worshippers in 2018. It was the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.

Lee has called on Hamas to release hostages it still holds and has repeatedly spoken out against antisemitism.

“We have communities that are hurting. The Jewish community is one of them. And there are people who are … not going to agree 100% on everything that you say,” Lee said in an interview, adding she has been “very clear and very upfront” about her cease-fire position. “I have condemned Hamas. We’ve worked with the families of hostages; we’ve done everything that I think is necessary to do that. And at the end of the day, we disagree.”

The race will be an early test of whether sentiment about the war in Gaza will play a significant role in races this year.

Setting up a critical Senate race

Democratic Sen. Bob Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick are poised to cruise to victories Tuesday, setting up a key contest in the fight for control of the Senate.

McCormick, who lost the GOP primary in 2022 to Trump-backed celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz, managed to clear the field ahead of this bid and rallied a Pennsylvania Republican establishment behind him that was tired of the infighting that contributed to defeats up and down the ballot in the midterms. It’s a dynamic that has allowed him to focus on the general election battle against Casey from the get-go.

The two will soon be fighting in what will be one of the most expensive Senate races of the cycle. Casey, a three-term senator whose father was governor of Pennsylvania, regularly out-polls Biden in the state, where Democrats have enjoyed victory after victory since Trump’s stunning upset over Hillary Clinton in 2016.

The race could determine which party holds the majority in the Senate, where Democrats hold a 51-49 advantage. 

A moderate Republican on defense

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick has built a brand as a moderate Republican , so he has often attracted primary challengers from the right. This year, Fitzpatrick isn’t taking any chances in his primary race against anti-abortion-rights activist Mark Houck.

Fitzpatrick’s campaign has spent nearly $2 million so far, according to recent campaign finance reports, far outspending Houck, who has dropped $145,000 and had just $11,000 left in his account as of April 3. Fitzpatrick’s campaign had nearly $3.7 million on hand. 

Houck grabbed headlines for his arrest after an altercation with a Planned Parenthood volunteer, and he was acquitted last year . Fitzpatrick’s campaign has launched multiple negative TV ads against Houck, as well as spots bolstering his own conservative credentials. In one ad, Fitzpatrick says, “The far left is attacking the very ideals that brought so many to our shores, indoctrinating our kids with anti-American hate and leaving our borders wide open.” 

The primary race has drawn attention from outside groups, with two super PACs spending in the race to bolster Fitzpatrick: the Defending America PAC and the Congressional Leadership Fund, which is aligned with House GOP leadership. A group tied to Democrats has also meddled in the primary , Politico reported.

Fitzpatrick, a former FBI agent, has been an elusive target for Democrats looking to flip the competitive 1st District in the Philadelphia suburbs. If he wins the primary, Fitzpatrick will once again face Democrat Ashley Ehasz, an Army veteran whom he defeated by 10 points in 2022 even after Biden won the district by 5 points two years previously, according to calculations from Daily Kos Elections . The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter rates the 1st District race as likely Republican . 

Setting up battleground House matchups  

Tuesday’s primaries will also solidify the matchups in four other competitive House districts. Two of them are already set, with businessman Rob Bresnahan the only Republican in the race to take on Democratic Rep. Matt Cartwright in the 8th District and state Rep. Rob Mercuri the only Republican taking on Democratic Rep. Chris Deluzio in the 17th District. 

But there are competitive primaries to take on two other Pennsylvania lawmakers in battleground districts: Democratic Rep. Susan Wild and GOP Rep. Scott Perry. 

In Wild’s 7th District north of Philadelphia, the top Republicans include state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie and Kevin Dellicker, who owns a technology company. Mackenzie has support from the Koch-backed Americans for Prosperity Action, while Dellicker has slightly outspent Mackenzie in the primary.

Wild won a third term in 2022 by just 2 points, and Biden won her district by less than 1 point in 2020. The Cook Political Report rates the race a toss-up .

In the 10th District, which includes Harrisburg, six Democrats are competing to take on Perry, the former chairman of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus. The top contenders include Marine veteran Mike O’Brien, who was a TOPGUN pilot, and former local TV news anchor Janelle Stelson, who has support from EMILY’s List, a group that backs female candidates who support abortion rights. 

While Democrats believe Perry is vulnerable, especially given his clashes with the Justice Department’s investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, Democrats would face an uphill climb in a district Trump won by 4 points in 2020. The Cook Political Report rates the race as lean Republican . 

Biden protest vote

Biden is his party’s presumptive presidential nominee, but activists opposed to the war in Gaza are once again calling on Democrats to cast votes to protest the administration’s support for Israel. 

A coalition of groups called “Uncommitted PA” is urging voters to write in “uncommitted” in the Democratic presidential primary, following similar efforts in other primary states . The group is looking for 40,000 write-in votes, about half of Biden’s margin of victory in Pennsylvania in 2020. Only registered Democrats can participate in Tuesday’s primary.

CORRECTION  (April 23, 2024, 1:30 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated the   first   name of Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick’s Republican primary challenger. He is Mark Houck, not Matt.

Allan Smith is a political reporter for NBC News.

Bridget Bowman is a deputy editor for NBC's Political Unit.

Deadline: Legal Blog

From deadline: white house with nicolle wallace.

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Why David Pecker was the perfect first witness in Trump's criminal trial

By Jordan Rubin

When prosecutors present their case to a jury, one thing they have to figure out is the order in which to present witnesses. In Donald Trump’s first criminal trial, in Manhattan , that first witness was David Pecker , for good reason.

While Pecker may be less familiar than some other potential witnesses, such as former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen or adult film star Stormy Daniels , he’s a crucial one — and it makes perfect sense to have him set the stage for the state’s case. After opening statements Monday morning , the state called Pecker, who testified briefly before court was adjourned for the day. His testimony will continue Tuesday.

After all, the backdrop of the prosecution's case is the alleged “catch and kill” plot to suppress negative information about Trump as he ran for president in 2016. The former president has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records. Prosecutors have alleged that Trump falsified records to cover up the reimbursement of hush money Cohen paid Daniels just ahead of the election. Daniels said she had sex with Trump, which he has denied.

And what does all that have to do with Pecker, who was head of the company that owned the National Enquirer?

Well, the tabloid publisher was there from the start. According to the state , at a 2015 meeting with Trump and Cohen, Pecker said he’d be the eyes and ears for the campaign, looking for negative Trump stories and alerting Cohen. Prosecutors say this was the genesis of the payoffs to Daniels as well as Playboy model Karen McDougal, who also claimed to have had an affair with Trump, which the presumptive 2024 GOP presidential nominee has also denied.

Pecker testified Monday that the Enquirer used "checkbook journalism" and paid for stories, setting the seedy stage for the state’s election interference theory of the case.

So while some of the most salacious and acrimonious testimony may come from the likes of Daniels and Cohen, putting Pecker first is a sensible way to understand the backdrop to the alleged scheme. And, to be sure, Pecker's testimony may be shocking to the jury in its own right — describing an alliance between a presidential campaign and a tabloid — so it could prompt fireworks of its own to start the testimony in this historic case.

Subscribe to the  Deadline: Legal Newsletter  for weekly updates on the top legal stories, including news from the Supreme Court, the Donald Trump cases and more.

Jordan Rubin is the Deadline: Legal Blog writer. He was a prosecutor for the New York County District Attorney’s Office in Manhattan and is the author of “Bizarro," a book about the secret war on synthetic drugs. Before he joined MSNBC, he was a legal reporter for Bloomberg Law.