ONLINE EVIDENCE BASED TREATMENT/RECOVERY SERVICE

Kim Frater, founder of Bid Trawler
Written by Kim Frater
Former Public Sector Buyer • Founder of Bid Trawler • 40+ years' public sector experience
"I believe public procurement shouldn't be complicated. Every guide I write explains the process in plain English so you can bid with confidence."

3 minute read  •  Updated September 2026

A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.

The biggest clue in this tender isn't the technology

When you read this tender, it's easy to focus on the online aspect.

But that's just the surface.

The real purpose is to provide effective treatment and recovery for drug use.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys is seeking a service that genuinely helps individuals recover, not just an online platform.

That's what I'd focus on.

The contract covers the online provision of treatment and recovery services for drug use, valued at £36,000, running from 31 March 2027 to 31 March 2028.

Think about the people you're helping

Behind every statistic is a person needing support.

This tender is about helping people in Wales recover from drug use.

The end users are individuals struggling with addiction.

If I were writing this bid, I'd make sure to show empathy and understanding of their journey.

I'd explain how my service meets their needs and supports their recovery process.

Don't just promise results. Prove them.

Every bidder will say their service is effective.

But evidence is what counts.

I'd include case studies or testimonials from other regions where my service has made a real difference.

Show proof of successful outcomes and how your approach has been effective elsewhere.

That's what will stand out.

Remember the buyer's perspective

The Police and Crime Commissioner wants value for money.

They're not just looking at the price tag.

If I were evaluating bids, I'd be considering how well the service supports long-term recovery and reduces reoffending.

I'd expect to see a clear plan for tracking and measuring success over the term of the contract.

Pay attention to what they say

The notice highlights the importance of an "evidence based" approach.

This isn't just about delivering a service—it's about delivering a service that works.

I'd ensure my submission clearly outlines the evidence supporting my methods and how they align with best practice.

It's crucial to show you understand and can deliver on this requirement.

Show how you'll maintain quality over the year

Consistency is key.

Delivering a high-quality service isn't just about starting strong—it's about maintaining those standards for the entire contract duration.

I'd explain my quality assurance processes.

How will you ensure the service remains effective?

What happens if a client doesn't engage, or if a treatment plan needs adjustment?

Addressing these points will demonstrate foresight and reliability.

Don't underestimate the local context

This service is for Wales.

A one-size-fits-all approach won't work.

If I were writing this, I'd emphasise any local knowledge or connections I have.

Understanding the specific challenges within Dyfed-Powys can make a big difference.

Show how your service is tailored to fit the local context.

Evidence always beats promises

One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that bidders often over-promise.

Few backed their claims with solid evidence.

For this tender, I'd focus on:

  • Successful case studies or pilots in similar communities
  • Data supporting your methods' effectiveness
  • Testimonials from clients or partner organisations
  • Independent evaluations or accreditations

These elements provide tangible proof of your capability.

Common mistakes

Avoid submissions that:

  • Focus too heavily on the technology rather than the outcomes
  • Lack clear evidence of past success
  • Ignore the specific needs of the Welsh community
  • Overlook the importance of maintaining quality throughout the year
  • Fail to align with the "evidence based" requirement
  • Neglect to show value for money beyond the initial cost
  • Use generic language without tailoring to this contract
  • Miss outlining how you'll engage and retain service users

My Final Thoughts

At its core, this tender is about supporting individuals on their recovery journey.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys isn't just buying a service—they're investing in people.

The contract's value is £36,000, with a focus on quality and outcomes over a 12-month term.

This means your written submission must clearly demonstrate your capability to deliver an effective, evidence-based service that provides real value for money.

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.

Kim
Founder, Bid Trawler

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.

kim@bidtrawler.com

Ready to decide whether this contract is worth bidding?

View the opportunity on Bid Trawler and access everything you need to make an informed decision, including the full tender information, direct access to the tender documents, the current supplier, who's winning similar contracts, who else may be bidding, buyer intelligence, our exclusive Inside View, your personalised Winnability Score and an AI-powered contract review.

View the Full Contract & Exclusive Inside View on Bid Trawler →
About our "How to Win This Contract" guides

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.

More live contract guides

See all guides