Provision of Wayfinding and Information Solution for Blind and Partially Sighted Passengers
A practical guide to understanding what CalMac Ferries really wants and how to build a winning response.
Don't just think technology. Think empowerment.
The biggest insight in this tender isn't about the technology itself.
It's about the empowerment it offers.
CalMac Ferries Limited (CFL) isn't just looking for a software solution.
They're looking for a partner to help them transform the journey experience for blind and partially sighted passengers.
The contract involves delivering a smartphone-based visual tagging solution.
It should support wayfinding and provide real-time information in 36 languages.
But remember, what they're really buying is empowerment and accessibility for their passengers.
Think about the passenger journey
If I were evaluating bids, I'd be focusing on how well you understand the passenger experience.
It's not just about getting from A to B.
It's about the confidence and independence that comes with reliable wayfinding.
Consider how your solution can enhance the entire journey.
From boarding to disembarking and everything in between.
Will passengers feel more secure?
Will they be able to navigate the ferry environments with ease?
That's the mindset I'd adopt when writing your response.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was the weight placed on evidence over promises.
CFL will be looking for concrete proof that your solution works.
Do you have case studies or pilot results from similar projects?
Have you tested your technology with actual users?
Evidence like this is invaluable.
- User testimonials
- Pilot project outcomes
- Accessibility certifications
- Real-world usage data
- Independent evaluations
Pay attention to what they say
The tender details emphasise the need for a "qualified Supplier" and a "pilot deployment".
They are clear that this isn't just about developing a solution.
It's about proving it can work in a real-world setting.
Make sure your submission addresses both the development and the deployment phases.
Show how you'll manage the pilot and gather feedback to refine the solution.
Don't underestimate real-time information
A key aspect of the solution is real-time information.
This isn't just a nice-to-have.
It's a crucial feature that will allow passengers to make informed decisions during their journey.
I'd want to see how your solution integrates with existing systems to provide accurate and timely updates.
And how it maintains reliability even in challenging environments.
Remember, it's about people, not just technology
Behind every piece of technology are the people who use it.
CFL's passengers rely on accurate and accessible information.
Think about how your solution respects their needs and empowers them.
Consider the support and training you'll offer.
How will you ensure passengers can use the solution confidently?
That's what I'd focus on.
Hold standards over the whole term
Consistency is the hardest thing to deliver in any contract.
Especially one that spans 1800 days.
How will you maintain service quality over the entire term?
What processes do you have in place for updates, maintenance and user support?
I'd want to see a detailed plan that covers:
- Regular updates and improvements
- User support and training
- System maintenance and troubleshooting
- Feedback loops with passengers
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
This contract is about more than just technology.
It's about enhancing the lives of blind and partially sighted passengers.
Every decision, every feature, should be tested against one simple question:
"Does this make the passenger's journey better?"
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on the technology without considering the passenger experience
- Lack evidence of the solution's effectiveness
- Ignore the importance of real-time information integration
- Overlook the need for ongoing user support and system maintenance
- Fail to address how the pilot deployment will be managed
- Provide generic responses without tailoring to CFL's specific requirements
- Neglect the importance of accessibility and user empowerment
- Underestimate the need for multilingual support
My Final Thoughts
CalMac Ferries is seeking more than a technical solution.
They're looking for a partner who understands the importance of accessibility in public transport.
A partner who can deliver a pilot deployment that proves the solution's worth.
With a contract duration of 1800 days, maintaining high standards over time will be crucial.
Quality and passenger empowerment are likely to carry significant weight in the evaluation.
Focus your written submission on these aspects.
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.