Proposal Development Support for Applicants to EU Funding Opportunities
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Don't just focus on the proposals
This isn't just about writing proposals.
The University of Nottingham is looking for a partner to support their academics through the entire process of developing research bids.
From the early stages.
Through to final submission.
What they're really buying is a collaborative journey that enhances the quality and competitiveness of their bids for EU funding.
The contract covers support across all faculties, engaging in an iterative process of drafting, commenting, redrafting and repeating.
Think about the value you bring to this collaborative process.
Pay attention to what they say
The University is very clear about what they want.
An "iterative, draft-comment-redraft-repeat process."
This isn't a one-off effort.
It's about ongoing, sustained support that aligns with the University's goals and timelines.
If I were writing this tender, I'd emphasise how my approach aligns with their iterative process, supporting academics from start to finish.
Think about the academics
The end users here are the academics.
They’re the ones who will directly benefit from your expertise.
Think about what they worry about.
Are they concerned about meeting tight deadlines?
Do they need help navigating the complexities of EU funding requirements?
Address these concerns in your submission.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to deliver excellent support.
Very few proved it.
If you have evidence of successful bid development, use it.
- Case studies of past successes
- Testimonials from satisfied clients
- Metrics showing improved funding success rates
- Examples of overcoming common proposal challenges
Show the University that you have a track record of making a difference.
Consistency over the whole term
Supporting academics isn't a one-time event.
It's an ongoing commitment.
The contract runs from November 2026 to November 2029, with the possibility of extension to 2031.
How will you maintain high standards throughout?
I'd want to see plans for managing changes in academic priorities, staff turnover and fluctuating workloads.
Consistency is key.
Don't just promise expertise. Show it.
Most bidders will talk about their expertise in EU funding.
That's expected.
What will really make your bid stand out is showing your expertise in action.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest funding opportunities and requirements?
What specific strategies do you use to enhance bid quality?
Show, don't just tell.
Make the University’s life easier
Every contract creates work for the client.
The best partners reduce that workload.
Explain how your processes will make life easier for the University's research offices and academic staff.
Whether it's streamlined communication or efficient feedback loops, show them how you’ll reduce their administrative burden.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
This contract isn't just about winning the tender.
It's about building a partnership that supports the University's strategic research goals.
Every answer I write, I'd ask myself:
"Does this show how we will partner with the University to achieve funding success?"
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Overlook the importance of the iterative process
- Fail to demonstrate past successes with EU funding
- Ignore the specific needs of academics in different faculties
- Provide generic solutions that lack tailored strategies
- Neglect to address how they will manage consistency over the contract term
- Focus solely on proposal writing without considering the full development process
My Final Thoughts
The University of Nottingham is looking for more than just proposal writers.
They're seeking partners in their journey to secure EU funding.
With a contract value of £300,000 and a term that could extend to 2031, there's a significant opportunity here.
Quality and collaboration are key.
If I were bidding, I'd focus on how my submission aligns with the University's iterative approach and their emphasis on supporting academics across all faculties.
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.
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.