Abertay Housing Association - Landscape Maintenance 2027 - 2030

Kim Frater, founder of Bid Trawler
Written by Kim Frater
Former Public Sector Buyer • Founder of Bid Trawler • 40+ years' public sector experience
"I believe public procurement shouldn't be complicated. Every guide I write explains the process in plain English so you can bid with confidence."

2 minute read  •  Updated September 2026

A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.

The biggest clue in this tender isn't the grass

Abertay Housing Association isn't just looking for someone to mow lawns and trim hedges.

They're looking for a partner to care for the outdoor spaces where their tenants live and play.

This contract covers landscape maintenance services over a 36-month period in Dundee and the surrounding areas.

It's not just about maintaining greenery.

It's about creating welcoming and safe environments.

Think about the people living there

These are residential areas.

Families, older residents and children live here.

If I were evaluating bids, I'd want to know how the contractor will ensure these spaces are pleasant and safe.

How will you manage your work to minimise disruption?

What measures will you take to ensure safety, especially when working near children's play areas?

Pay attention to what they say

The notice doesn't just mention maintaining landscapes.

It highlights the importance of quality and consistency.

They want a provider who guarantees standards are upheld from the start to the end of the contract.

This means having a robust plan for staffing, even during holidays or unexpected absences.

Don't just promise, prove it

Every bidder will promise excellent service.

But evidence always beats promises.

Include examples of past projects where you maintained high standards over a long period.

Consider these evidence types:

  • Client testimonials from similar projects
  • Performance metrics from previous contracts
  • Case studies showing how you've managed challenges

Remember the local context

Dundee and the surrounding areas have their own unique weather conditions and community needs.

Show how your team understands local climate challenges.

And how you adapt your maintenance schedule to respond to these conditions effectively.

Show how you'll make life easier for Abertay

Abertay Housing Association wants a contractor who reduces their workload, not adds to it.

I'd be explaining how my processes ensure seamless communication.

How I address issues before they become problems.

And how I keep the association informed without them having to chase me for updates.

Consistency is key

Holding standards over the entire contract term is crucial.

I'd emphasise my strategies for dealing with staff absences and maintaining quality throughout.

This could include:

  • A reliable on-call team for emergencies
  • Regular training to keep staff skilled and motivated
  • Scheduled performance reviews to catch issues early

Don't underestimate the impact of community engagement

Engaging with the community can set you apart.

Consider how you can involve residents in your work.

Whether it's through feedback sessions or community planting days, showing you're invested in the local community can make a big difference.

My Final Thoughts

Abertay Housing Association is looking for more than a maintenance service.

They're seeking a partner who understands the importance of community spaces.

This contract runs for three years from 31 March 2027 to 31 March 2030.

While the notice doesn't specify quality and price weightings, focus on demonstrating reliability and community commitment.

Your written submission should convey not just what you do, but how you make a real difference to the people living in these areas.

Thanks for reading.

I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.

Kim
Founder, Bid Trawler

P.S. Got a question?

If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.

Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.

kim@bidtrawler.com

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About our "How to Win This Contract" guides

Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.

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