Public security contracts, or security tenders, are issued when public sector buyers (e.g. government organisations or local authorities) need security-related services and technology. They will publish a contract notice, which suppliers will bid on to try and win that work.
Security contracts can include services such as manned guarding, high visibility patrol services, CCTV monitoring, event security, and access control. Due to the size of the sector, the specifications for any security tender can be quite complex, which is why it is important to ensure you understand what services are needed and how to get security tenders.
Security contracts for tender in the UK can take on many shapes and forms as public security sectors adapt to cover different risks in the market and keep people & sites safe and secure. Consequently, there is a regular stream of new tenders being published offering lucrative new business opportunities to suppliers like you who are hoping to win a piece of this marketplace.
The 3 key areas within public security sectors include:
UK security tenders present a lucrative and dynamic market for suppliers.
With a strong emphasis being placed on security and protection across multiple sectors, and the demand for security services and solutions growing, winning contracts in security has never been more appealing. Winning work with public contracting authorities such the NHS, public educational institutions, and the Ministry of Defence can be extremely lucrative and rewarding for your business, when it comes to profits and building credibility.
Tracker can connect you with the security contracts in the United Kingdom that are best suited for your services, saving you time and resources.
Due to the highly competitive nature of the public security sector, winning security contracts can be difficult. Before submitting a bid, it is important to make sure you understand the buyer’s needs and objectives as this will provide your company with an advantage.
Below are some best practices you should follow when tendering for security sector contracts. Following these will increase your chances of winning security sector contracts in this highly competitive sector:
When you bid on government security tenders, knowing who you are up against can play a key role in whether or not you win the tender.
Knowing your competition can provide you with valuable insights that can aid you in strategic decision-making, bid preparation, pricing strategy, and more.
Tracker offers procurement tools such as Spend Analysis, which allows you to see who your competitors are winning business with, and Archive Data, which gives you access to historical tender data, helping you understand how others achieved tender success.
Understanding your market is vital because it allows you to tailor your approach when bidding on public and private company security tenders online. This helps you assess the market landscape and make strategic decisions.
Tracker’s Market Intelligence tool allows you to track the competitor landscape in public security sectors to help you discover new potential markets.
Early engagement with buyers is crucial to having a proactive approach when tendering for contracts within the security sector. Engaging early allows you to ask questions and find out more about what the contracting authorities are looking for and what the tender requires, which can help you prepare a stronger tender submission.
You should always try and visit the site or sites you will be working on if possible. This allows you to submit a tender response that is more relevant and specific to the buyer’s needs.
Buyers are expecting a well thought out and well written bid response that captures their attention, which is why it is important to submit a superior tender response.
Even if the quality section of your response is weighted less than cost, buyers will still be looking for clear and concise writing that is error free.
For a greater chance of tendering success, ensure your security services tender response is clear and concise while being assertive and persuasive rather than descriptive. Be sure to also stay as close to the word or page count as possible.
As a security company, one of your primary concerns is to minimise risk. Buyers want to be confident that the security services your company provides will be carried out using the highest safety standards and will minimise any risk to your employees, their employees, as well as the general public.
There are numerous ways you can reassure buyers that your company takes health and safety seriously and that you have the appropriate systems in place to protect everyone involved. You could present your Health and Safety policy, risk assessments, and other certifications from reputable organisations such as the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) to the buyer.
Companies looking to bid on security tenders have to ensure they are compliant with several rules and regulations in order to bid successfully.
One of the most important things needed is quality assurance accreditation with the Security Industry Authority (SIA). In order to be accredited, security companies must have the necessary systems and processes in place for quality assurance.
Companies must be registered with SIA Approved Contractor Scheme. Being registered proves that your business meets specific standards for management and operations, showing potential buyers that you are capable of providing a high level of service.
When tendering for security contracts or tender opportunities, it is essential to provide evidence on how your company can offer a secure solution that will bring extra value for money.
Before submitting your security tender bid proposal, examine all its aspects to ensure it answers all the questions asked in the tender documents and meets the award criteria set out in the tender documents. This way, you have greater chances of your bid being successful.
Tracker can also connect you to a procurement consultant who can help you refine your procurement process. From preparing your tender submission to general tendering support, we will work closely with you and your business to ensure you start seeing results.
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