CivTech 12.1 - How can digital technologies assist people living with substance use issues (and their families/friends) to easily connect with trusted help and substance use support when services are unavailable?
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Think beyond the technology
This tender isn't just about creating a digital platform.
It's about providing a lifeline to people who need support when it's not readily available.
The University of Strathclyde is looking for a solution that connects people with substance use issues and their families to trusted help, especially when traditional services are unavailable.
It's not simply about the tech. It's about building trust and reducing dependency on emergency services by offering earlier support.
The contract covers up to 720 days and is valued at £650,000.
That's a substantial commitment, indicating the importance of a robust and long-term solution.
Understand the 'circle of support'
The concept of a 'circle of support' is central to this challenge.
The buyer is looking for a way to widen an individual's network of help.
This means integrating existing trusted services, family and community into the solution.
They're not just asking for an app or a website.
They're asking for a system that facilitates genuine, reliable connections.
I'd focus on how your solution not only connects users to services but also incorporates community and family support.
The challenge of fragmentation
Scotland's support landscape is described as fragmented and hard to navigate.
This is a critical insight.
Your proposal needs to demonstrate an understanding of this fragmentation and offer a way to simplify navigation for users.
If I were writing this tender, I'd emphasise a user-friendly interface that guides individuals seamlessly to the right support.
Consider how your technology can unify disparate services into a coherent, accessible network.
Pay attention to what they say
The buyer is explicit about the need for early intervention and harm reduction.
They want a solution that reduces avoidable demand on emergency and NHS services.
This tells me that the solution needs to be proactive, not just reactive.
I’d highlight any features of your solution that enable early detection of issues and intervention before a crisis escalates.
Evidence always beats promises
Claims are easy to make, but evidence is what convinces.
The buyer will want to see proof that your solution can deliver what it promises.
Examples of evidence could include:
- Case studies from similar projects
- User testimonials or pilot programme results
- Data showing reduced need for emergency services
If you have them, use them.
Address the local variation
Support availability varies by locality in Scotland.
This means your solution needs to be adaptable to local conditions.
I'd suggest showing how your technology can be customised for different areas, ensuring that no matter where someone is, they can access the help they need.
Local adaptability will be key to a successful proposal.
Don't overlook the feedback loop
The buyer is interested in a 'feedback loop' of learning, intelligence and insight.
This is about continuous improvement and adaptation.
Your solution should not only provide immediate support but also learn from each interaction to improve over time.
Think about how data collected can be used to refine services and better meet user needs.
Consider the end user
Ultimately, this solution is for people living with substance use issues.
Think about their experience.
What are their barriers to accessing help?
How can your solution make it easier for them to reach out?
If I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for a deep understanding of these users and a commitment to addressing their specific challenges.
The importance of consistency
Delivering a consistent service over the 720-day contract term is crucial.
Consider how you'll maintain standards, manage staff turnover and ensure reliability.
The University will want assurance that your solution won't just work well at the start, but throughout the entire contract period.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on technology without addressing the human element
- Ignore the importance of local adaptability
- Lack evidence of past success or similar projects
- Fail to demonstrate an understanding of the fragmented support landscape
- Overlook the significance of the 'circle of support'
- Do not provide a plan for continuous improvement and feedback
- Assume a one-size-fits-all approach will work across Scotland
My Final Thoughts
This tender is about more than just technology.
It's about creating a system that genuinely helps people at some of their most vulnerable moments.
With a budget of £650,000 and a duration of 720 days, the University of Strathclyde is making a significant investment.
Quality matters here, and the buyer is looking for a solution that can truly make a difference.
Your written submission should reflect that weight, focusing on the transformative potential of your solution rather than just the technical mechanics.
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.