Request for Quotation Feasibility Study and Business Case to assess the introduction of additional rail services between Doncaster and Scunthorpe
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
The real aim isn't just a study
This tender isn't just about conducting a study.
North Lincolnshire Council wants more than just data and analysis.
They're looking for a vision that can transform rail connectivity between Doncaster and Scunthorpe.
A feasibility study and an investment-ready business case to make the case for reinstating an hourly rail service and introducing a Sunday service.
All to improve access for rural communities.
Yes, you'll be preparing a study.
But what you're really doing is laying the groundwork for better transport links.
Think about the community impact
The real beneficiaries here are the rural communities.
Those who will gain better access to jobs, education and essential services.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for a genuine understanding of what this means for local people.
Think about the parents who'll have better commute options.
The students who can attend college more easily.
And the elderly who can access healthcare without hassle.
That's the human outcome this project aims to deliver.
Don't just focus on the numbers
A feasibility study is often about figures.
Timetables, passenger numbers, costs.
But North Lincolnshire Council is looking for more than that.
I'd want to see how you'll interpret those numbers into real, tangible benefits for the community.
How will you translate data into a compelling case for investment?
Show that you've thought beyond spreadsheets and statistics.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed they could deliver.
Very few proved it.
If you have evidence from similar projects, use it.
- Previous successful feasibility studies
- Case studies of improved transport links
- Testimonials from past clients
- Metrics showing economic and social benefits delivered
Evidence always carries more weight than promises.
Pay attention to what they say
North Lincolnshire Council is clear about their priorities.
The feasibility study needs to fit into the existing timetable.
They want to restore key links for rural communities.
These aren't just nice-to-haves.
They're essential for your proposal.
Make sure you address how you'll meet these specific requirements.
That's what I'd build my submission around.
Show how you'll make life easier for the Council
Every contract creates work for the client.
The best contractors reduce that workload.
Explain how your processes will simplify things for North Lincolnshire Council.
Whether it's through clear reporting, regular updates or stakeholder engagement.
Show that you're not just delivering a study.
You're making the whole journey seamless for them.
Remember the operational challenges
Reinstating an hourly service and adding a Sunday service isn't just about finding a slot in the timetable.
Think about staffing, maintenance, coordination with Northern Trains.
These are operational challenges that need addressing.
If I were writing this tender, I'd be showing how I'll tackle these issues.
Not just identifying them.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
This isn't just a consultancy project.
It's about transforming lives.
Improving access to jobs, education and essential services.
I'd keep reminding myself of the people who will benefit.
And I'd test every answer against that.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus too heavily on data without community context
- Lack evidence of successful past projects
- Fail to address the specific timetable integration
- Ignore operational challenges like staffing and coordination
- Overlook the Council's stated priorities
- Include generic promises without tailored solutions
- Miss the importance of stakeholder engagement
- Forget the real-world impact on rural communities
My Final Thoughts
North Lincolnshire Council isn't just looking for a feasibility study.
They want a partner who understands the transformative potential of this project.
The contract value is £36,000, running from December 2026 to June 2027.
While the price is important, the quality of your proposal will carry significant weight.
That's where your written submission can truly shine.
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.