Contracts for Innovation Cymru - Modernising the Bowel Screening Pathway in Wales
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Don't think about the technology first
When I look at this contract, the biggest clue isn't in the technology.
It's in the participant journey.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board isn't just buying a new system or process.
They're looking for a way to modernise the entire bowel screening pathway in Wales.
To do that, they need solutions that improve participant assessment, triage support and progression after a positive FIT result.
Yes, it's about innovation.
But it's about innovation that genuinely improves the participant experience and meets the increasing demand.
Think about the participant's experience
Imagine you're one of the 12,000 participants who receive a positive FIT result each year.
You're asked to make an appointment for a pre-colonoscopy assessment.
Currently, it's all done by phone, Monday to Friday, 9 to 4.
But what if you work or have other commitments?
The Health Board wants to make this process more flexible.
They want to see proposals that let participants have more control over their appointments and engage with the service on their terms.
If I were writing this bid, I'd be focusing on how my solution enhances accessibility and convenience for participants.
Pay attention to what they say
The notice is clear.
They want innovative solutions that allow participants to book their own appointments and engage with the service more flexibly.
They also want to see improved triage and pathway management.
This isn't just about technology.
It's about creating a system that supports participants through their journey, from assessment to intervention.
One thing that stands out is their openness to different approaches.
They aren't prescribing a specific technology or model.
That means you have the freedom to propose what you think will work best.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder promised innovation.
Very few proved it.
If you have evidence of how your solution has worked elsewhere, use it.
- Case studies of similar projects
- Data showing improved participant outcomes
- Testimonials from other clients
- Success stories from real-world demonstrations
These will carry more weight than promises alone.
This isn't just a box-ticking exercise
The Health Board isn't looking for a solution that ticks all the boxes on paper.
They're looking for a partner who can demonstrate real-world impact.
Projects should support development, refinement and real-world demonstration.
That means your proposal needs to show how it will work in practice.
How will it be tested and evaluated in a real-world setting?
What will you learn from this, and how will it inform future improvements?
Show how you'll help NHS Wales meet future demand
Participation in bowel screening is increasing.
Eligibility is expanding.
Workforce pressures are intensifying.
The Health Board wants a solution that strengthens NHS Wales's ability to meet future demand.
I'd be explaining how my solution scales to accommodate growing participation.
How it makes efficient use of resources.
And how it supports the wider goals of the Health Board in improving patient outcomes.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
This isn't just about winning a contract.
It's about improving lives.
Every participant who receives a positive FIT result is a person who might be at risk of bowel cancer.
Your solution needs to help them through the pathway quickly and efficiently.
I'd keep that in mind with every answer I write.
Does this genuinely improve the participant experience?
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on technology, ignoring participant experience
- Fail to provide evidence of past success
- Ignore the need for real-world testing and evaluation
- Overlook scalability and future demand
- Lack clarity on costs and value for money
- Propose rigid, inflexible solutions
- Ignore the participant's need for control and flexibility
- Fail to address how the solution will be refined over time
My Final Thoughts
This tender is about more than just innovation.
It's about transforming how bowel screening services are delivered in Wales.
The Health Board is clear that they want solutions improving participant assessment, triage and progression.
With a total funding of £300,000 available to support up to 4-5 projects, there's a real opportunity here for innovation that makes a difference.
Quality is clearly a priority, and that means your written submission needs to demonstrate not just the mechanics of your solution, but its impact on the participant journey.
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.