Royal Navy Museums Broadband Services
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
The real question isn't about broadband
When I look at this tender, it’s clear that the Royal Navy Museums aren't just buying broadband.
They're buying a future-proof solution that could impact their entire operational structure.
Yes, the contract covers the replacement of existing broadband connections and the potential switch from MPLS to SD-WAN.
But what they're really looking for is a solution that ensures seamless connectivity across all their sites, supporting their centralised IT infrastructure in Portsmouth.
The contract runs from 21 October 2026 to 21 October 2029, with the potential to extend until 21 October 2031.
Think about the Museums, not the technology
This isn't just about technology.
It's about ensuring that the Museum sites, each with unique public IP requirements and VLANs, can communicate efficiently and securely.
The Museums rely on these connections to access centralised resources and maintain operations.
If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on how my solution supports the Museum's operations, not just the tech specs.
Address the existing setup
The current setup is built around an MPLS network with Juniper routers and cloud firewall integration.
Each site even has backup connections for redundancy.
Your response needs to clearly articulate how your solution either integrates with or improves upon this existing infrastructure.
I'd want to see a detailed transition plan that minimises disruption and maximises continuity.
Pay attention to what they say
The Museums have been clear.
They're evaluating both MPLS and SD-WAN to assess which best meets their needs in terms of benefits and costs.
They're not just looking for the cheapest option.
They want the right fit for the next 3-5 years.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for a clear comparison of the two technologies, tailored to the Museums' specific requirements.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to offer the best solution.
Very few proved it.
If you have evidence, use it.
- Case studies from similar setups
- Data on uptime and reliability
- Testimonials from similar clients
- Demonstrations of cost savings and efficiency improvements
Don't overlook the shared connections
The Portsmouth HQ shares its broadband with six separate businesses.
Your solution needs to accommodate this, providing separate public IP addresses as needed.
I'd suggest outlining how your proposal manages these shared connections without compromising security or performance.
Consistency over the term
Delivering consistent service over a multi-year contract is no small feat.
Think about staffing, equipment maintenance and the management of backup connections.
I'd want to see how you'll handle issues like equipment failures or network outages.
Will there be regular performance reviews?
How will you ensure service levels remain high throughout the term?
Look beyond the initial setup
The Museums' needs will evolve over time.
Your proposal should show flexibility and adaptability.
How will you support future expansions or changes in technology?
A strong bid will include a vision for ongoing support and scalability.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on technical specifications without linking to operational outcomes
- Neglect the importance of security and redundancy in the network design
- Fail to offer a clear comparison between MPLS and SD-WAN
- Ignore the shared connection setup at the Portsmouth HQ
- Overlook the importance of a smooth transition from the current network
- Don't provide evidence of previous successful implementations
- Lack a plan for maintaining service consistency over the contract term
My Final Thoughts
The Royal Navy Museums are looking for more than just a broadband provider.
They're seeking a partner who understands their unique operational needs and can offer a solution that supports their mission.
This contract, valued at £250,000 and covering a term of up to five years, places a strong emphasis on quality and the suitability of the solution over mere cost.
With two lots representing MPLS and SD-WAN, your written submission should clearly articulate the benefits and trade-offs of each option.
Remember, this isn't just about technology.
It's about supporting the Museums' operations and ensuring seamless connectivity across their sites.
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.