DFG Lifting Equipment
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Don't think it's just about lifts
This tender isn't just about stairlifts and through floor lifts.
It's about improving lives for disabled residents in North Yorkshire.
The contract covers the supply, installation, servicing and maintenance of these lifts under the Disabled Facilities Grant scheme. With two lots — stairlifts and through floor lifts — and a range of services including surveys, installation, maintenance, warranties and emergency repairs, there's a lot to consider.
But the core purpose? Enabling independence. Improving quality of life.
Think beyond the mechanics
Most bidders will talk about their equipment.
The specs, the features, the technology.
But that's just the starting point.
What the Council really wants is assurance that these lifts will be reliable, safe and fit seamlessly into people's homes.
Your response should emphasise reliability and user-friendly design.
Show you understand the importance of minimal disruption during installation and how you'll achieve this.
Remember the users
The end users are people with limited mobility.
They want to feel safe and secure.
They want equipment that's easy to operate and doesn't intrude on their daily lives.
Your submission should focus on user experience.
How will you ensure smooth operation?
What feedback mechanisms do you have in place to gather user satisfaction?
Pay attention to what they say
The documents mention performance being monitored through KPIs.
That tells you the Council values measurable results.
Your response should clearly outline how you'll meet and exceed these KPIs.
Consider discussing how you track performance, manage maintenance schedules and handle emergency repairs.
They need to know you'll be proactive, not just reactive.
Evidence always beats promises
Almost every bidder will promise excellent service.
Few will back it up with evidence.
If I were writing this tender, I'd include:
- Case studies from similar contracts
- Testimonials from satisfied clients
- Data showing your track record in meeting KPIs
- Examples of how you've handled emergency repairs swiftly
Evidence speaks louder than words.
Show how you'll make life easier for the client
North Yorkshire Council doesn't just want lifts installed.
They want a partner who reduces their workload.
Talk about your aftercare service.
How you handle warranties, service calls and customer support.
Explain how your processes minimise the Council's involvement.
That's what will set you apart.
Don't overlook the importance of recycling and refurbishment
Lot 1 includes the recycling and refurbishment of stairlifts.
This isn't just about sustainability.
It's about cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Your submission should detail your approach to recycling and refurbishing.
Explain how you ensure quality and safety with refurbished equipment.
This is a point that could differentiate you from others.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
This contract isn't just about engineering.
It's about people.
People who rely on these lifts every day.
People who need them to be reliable, safe and easy to use.
Every answer you write should be tested against this thought:
"How does this improve the user's life?"
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus too heavily on technical specifications without considering user experience
- Fail to provide evidence of past performance and reliability
- Overlook the importance of KPIs and performance monitoring
- Neglect to detail the recycling and refurbishment processes
- Ignore the need for minimal disruption during installation
- Lack clear processes for handling emergency repairs
- Underestimate the importance of customer support and aftercare
My Final Thoughts
What North Yorkshire Council is really looking for is a partner who can deliver reliable, user-friendly lifting solutions and manage them effectively over the whole term of the contract. The contract is valued at £5,000,000 and the emphasis on KPIs means that the quality of your written submission is key. This is about more than just price. It's about proving you can deliver what users need, consistently and effectively.
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.