Private Ambulance Service (PAS) 2027
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 ambulances
When you look at this tender, it's easy to get caught up in the logistics.
Four lots, each with its own region.
But what East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust really needs is reliability.
They're depending on you to support their existing services with the utmost professionalism.
The contract covers providing double crewed ambulances for South Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and Northamptonshire. The crews must include Paramedics, Technicians and Emergency Care Assistants.
They need more than compliance
Yes, compliance is crucial.
You've got to be CQC registered and hold all the necessary licences.
But every bidder will meet these requirements.
What will set you apart is how you demonstrate your capability to integrate seamlessly with EMAS's existing services.
They need to know they can rely on you to be there when it counts.
Think about the urgency
This isn't just about transport.
It's about emergency response.
When the call comes, your team needs to be ready to act.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd look for evidence of your ability to mobilise quickly and maintain high standards under pressure.
Show how you'll make life easier for EMAS
EMAS is looking for partners who reduce their workload, not add to it.
Explain your management processes and how they align with EMAS's needs.
I'd want to see a clear plan for communication and coordination with their teams, ensuring seamless service delivery.
Pay attention to what they say
The notice specifies that this is a Provider Selection Regime contract.
This means the usual Public Contracts Regulations don't apply.
It's a competitive process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.
Focus on demonstrating value for money, not just lowest price.
Evidence always beats promises
It's one thing to say you'll deliver an excellent service.
It's another to prove it.
If I were writing this tender, I'd include:
- Testimonials from previous clients in similar roles
- Case studies showing successful emergency response
- Data on response times and outcomes
- Details of staff training and retention rates
Remember who you're trying to convince
This isn't just about ticking boxes.
It's about convincing EMAS that you can be a reliable partner.
Think about the people making the decision.
They want assurance that when they need additional capacity, you'll be ready.
Hold standards over the entire term
Consistency is key.
EMAS will want to know how you'll maintain service levels throughout the contract.
I'd outline how you'll handle staff absences, recruitment and training.
Explain your approach to continuous performance reviews and quality assurance.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
At the heart of this tender is patient care.
Every decision you make, every process you design, should be tested against one question:
"Does this improve the service for the patients?"
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on price without demonstrating value
- Lack evidence of past performance in emergency services
- Overlook the importance of integration with EMAS
- Fail to address staff training and development
- Ignore the need for clear communication channels
- Assume compliance alone will win the contract
My Final Thoughts
What EMAS is really looking for is more than ambulances.
They're looking for partners they can trust to deliver under pressure.
With a contract lasting 12 months, and the possibility of a 12-month extension, it's essential to show that you can provide consistent, reliable service across all lots.
Remember, this isn't about being the cheapest.
It's about offering the best value.
Quality counts, and your written submission should reflect that.
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.