Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) Owner Controlled Insurance Programme (OCIP) for Follow Insurers
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Understand the Bigger Picture
The Lower Thames Crossing isn't just another construction project.
It's a massive infrastructure undertaking with significant implications for traffic flow, economic growth and local communities.
National Highways isn't just looking for insurers to tick boxes.
They're seeking partners who understand the complexities and risks associated with such a significant project.
The contract covers insurance services for the Lower Thames Crossing construction, ensuring the project is protected from unforeseen events.
It's About Risk Management, Not Just Insurance
If I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for more than just basic insurance coverage.
I'd want to see a clear understanding of the project's unique risks.
Things like potential delays, environmental challenges and public safety concerns.
National Highways wants follow insurers who can complement the lead insurer's policies and provide seamless coverage.
That's what I'd focus on.
Pay Attention to What They Say
National Highways is clear about what they need.
They require follow insurers to align closely with the lead insurer's contract.
This means your proposal must demonstrate an understanding of the existing coverage and how you'll integrate without gaps.
They emphasise the importance of consistency and reliability in coverage.
Quality, not just price, will be key here.
Don't Underestimate the Project's Scale
The Lower Thames Crossing is a colossal project.
And with a value of £56 million for insurance alone, it's clear that National Highways needs serious players.
Your submission should reflect your capability to handle large-scale projects.
Think about your resources, your experience with similar projects and how you can assure National Highways of your capacity to deliver.
Evidence Always Beats Promises
When it comes to procurement, evidence is king.
Rather than making grand promises, show National Highways what you've done before.
- Examples of similar projects you've insured
- Proven risk management strategies
- Client testimonials or case studies
- Data supporting your ability to deliver consistent coverage
This is what will set you apart from other bidders.
Think About the Long Term
This contract isn't just a short-term gig.
It's a commitment until December 2033.
National Highways will want to know how you'll maintain standards over the contract's duration.
Consider how you'll handle changes in risk profiles, regulatory updates or any shifts in the construction timeline.
I'd emphasise your strategy for maintaining a strong partnership throughout the project lifecycle.
Show How You'll Make Life Easier for National Highways
Every contract creates work for the client.
The best bidders will show how they can reduce that workload.
Think about how you can streamline communication, simplify claims processes or provide proactive risk assessments.
I'd be explaining how my approach would minimise disruptions and foster a smooth project execution.
Remember the People Behind the Project
It's easy to get lost in the numbers and logistics.
But at the heart of it, the Lower Thames Crossing affects real people.
Drivers, local residents and businesses.
I'd keep this in mind throughout your submission.
How can your insurance provision support not just the project's success but also its positive impact on the community?
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Overlook the need for alignment with the lead insurer's policy
- Fail to demonstrate experience with large-scale infrastructure projects
- Focus solely on cost rather than quality and reliability
- Neglect to provide evidence of past successes
- Ignore long-term risk management strategies
- Offer generic solutions without tailoring to the project's specific needs
- Lack clarity on how you'll integrate with existing policies
- Miss the human element and community impact of the project
My Final Thoughts
National Highways isn't just buying insurance.
They're buying peace of mind for a project that will shape the future of transport in the region.
With a contract value of £56 million and a term until December 2033, quality and reliability are paramount.
The weighting on quality suggests that a well-crafted written submission that clearly demonstrates your understanding and capabilities will be crucial.
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.