CivTech 12 - Challenge 12.3 - How can we use technology to demonstrate the commercial value of circular economy business practices?
A practical guide to understanding what Zero Waste Scotland really wants and how to build a winning response.
This isn't just about technology
Yes, the tender is for a technology solution.
But what Zero Waste Scotland is really buying is confidence.
Confidence for businesses to embrace circular practices.
Confidence for investors to support these initiatives.
The contract is about developing an "intuitive, evidence-based tool" to demonstrate the commercial value of circular economy practices. This means your solution needs to be more than just functional. It must be persuasive.
Think about what businesses need
Businesses worry about risk.
They need clear evidence that circular practices won't just be good for the environment, but also for their bottom line.
If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on how my solution can:
- Enhance supply chain resilience
- Improve resource security
- Retain customers
- Reduce exposure to market shocks
These are the benefits Zero Waste Scotland wants to see highlighted. They aren't just nice-to-haves; they're essential.
Build investor trust
Investors are looking for returns.
Your tool should integrate these wider benefits into business and investment decisions.
Show how it can generate insights that reassure investors.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd be asking:
- Does this tool make a compelling case for investment?
- Can it track and report on the benefits effectively?
- Will it help accelerate the adoption of circular practices?
That's what I'd build my submission around.
Pay attention to what they say
Zero Waste Scotland is clear on what they want.
The solution should support Scotland's transition to a sustainable, circular economy.
They aren't just looking for a tool.
They're looking for a partner in this mission.
They talk about generating insights to inform "future support and policy development". This means your solution needs to be adaptable and forward-thinking.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that bidders often made big promises.
But they didn't always back them up with evidence.
If you have evidence of your solution's impact, use it.
- Case studies from similar projects
- Testimonials from satisfied clients
- Data showing measurable benefits
These will carry more weight than any promise.
Don't underestimate the challenge
This isn't a small task.
The contract runs for 720 days and is valued at £650,000. That's a significant commitment.
I'd want to see a detailed plan showing how you will deliver over this period.
Think about how you'll maintain standards throughout the contract's duration.
Show how you'll make life easier for Zero Waste Scotland
Every solution creates work for the client.
The best solutions reduce that workload.
Explain how your technology will make life easier for Zero Waste Scotland.
Will it streamline processes? Free up resources? Provide clear, actionable insights?
That's what they'll be looking for.
Remember the people you're trying to convince
This isn't just about software.
It's about people.
Businesses, investors and policymakers.
If your solution can't engage and persuade them, it won't succeed.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself is that at the heart of this contract are the users.
Every line of code, every feature should be designed with them in mind.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Ignore the need for evidence-based decision-making
- Focus solely on environmental benefits without commercial context
- Overlook the importance of user engagement
- Fail to demonstrate long-term adaptability
- Promise outcomes without supporting evidence
- Lack a clear implementation plan
- Do not address investor concerns
- Underestimate the contract's scope and commitment
My Final Thoughts
What Zero Waste Scotland is really looking for is a partner who understands the commercial realities of circular economy practices.
The contract is valued at £650,000 over 720 days. It's a significant opportunity, but also a significant responsibility.
Quality and understanding carry more weight than just technical ability here.
The buyer wants a solution that can genuinely transform business practices and investment decisions.
That's where your focus should be.
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.
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.
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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.