Provision of MEP and Energy Consultant Services (4 Sites)

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."

2 minute read  •  Updated August 2026

A practical guide to understanding what Waverley Borough Council really wants and how to build a winning response.

It's not just about engineering

When you first look at this tender, you might think it's all about engineering expertise.

But what Waverley Borough Council is really buying is peace of mind.

They're looking for a partner to ensure their projects run smoothly, from design to construction.

The brief covers four sites, requiring mechanical and electrical engineering input.

But if I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for how you manage risk and ensure communication is seamless.

Think about the role you play

Your role isn't to just provide technical advice.

It's to be a bridge between architects and contractors.

Waverley Borough Council needs someone to sense-check designs before and during construction discussions.

This means you need to offer more than technical prowess.

You need to be a facilitator.

Someone who makes the process easier for everyone involved.

Evidence, not just promises

One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to be the best.

Very few proved it.

If you have evidence of previous successful projects, use it.

  • Case studies of similar projects
  • Testimonials from previous clients
  • Data showing how your input improved project outcomes
  • Examples of risk mitigation strategies you've implemented

Evidence always beats promises.

Don't underestimate your ability to guide

Waverley Borough Council wants guidance.

Not just technical instructions.

If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on how my team provides that guidance in a way that's clear and actionable.

Think about how you can help architects refine their designs before they hit the planning stage.

And how you'll assist during the discussions with the build contractor.

Pay attention to what they say

Waverley Borough Council spells out that they need "sense-checking" of designs.

This isn't just a throwaway line.

It means they value your opinion and need you to challenge assumptions.

Your submission should reflect how you'll do this constructively.

It's about showing that you're not just following instructions, but adding value.

Remember the timeline

The contract runs from 12 Nov 2026 to 11 Nov 2028, with an option to extend to 11 Nov 2029.

This isn't a short-term engagement.

Consistency and reliability over the term matter.

I'd want to see how you plan to maintain high standards throughout the contract.

Whether it's through regular reviews, staff training or robust project management.

Show how you'll make life easier for Waverley Borough Council

Every contract creates work for the client.

The best consultants reduce that workload.

Explain how your approach will make life easier for the council.

How will you ensure that communication is effective?

What systems do you have in place to manage and track progress?

Common mistakes

Avoid submissions that:

  • Focus solely on technical capabilities without addressing project management
  • Lack evidence of past successful projects
  • Ignore the importance of communication between stakeholders
  • Fail to show how risks will be managed
  • Overlook the need for guidance and facilitation
  • Don't address how standards will be maintained over the contract term

My Final Thoughts

Waverley Borough Council is looking for more than just engineering expertise.

They want a partner who can guide, facilitate and ensure their projects run smoothly.

The contract term is two years with an option to extend for one more.

This means your submission must reflect a commitment to maintaining high standards throughout.

Quality and reliability are key.

That's what I'd build my submission around.

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

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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.

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