Website redesign and redevelopment
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
They're not just buying a website
I know that sounds strange, but it's true.
Capital City College isn't just looking for a new website.
They're looking for a transformation in how they recruit students, share information and offer self-service options.
It's a big shift.
The contract covers everything from research and design to build and launch.
And they want it live by 30th September 2027.
Think about the end users
Students.
Prospective students, current students and their families.
They all need to find information quickly and easily.
If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on user experience.
How can you make navigation intuitive?
How can you ensure the site is accessible and engaging?
Don't get lost in the tech
Yes, technology is important.
But that's not the main issue here.
What Capital City College really needs is a site that works smoothly for everyone.
Focus on outcomes, not just the tech stack.
How will your design support recruitment and self-service?
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to deliver an excellent service.
Very few proved it.
If you have evidence, use it.
- Case studies of previous web projects
- User feedback that highlights success
- Metrics that demonstrate improved user engagement
Pay attention to what they say
Capital City College spells out the priority: "the most effective recruitment, information and self-service channel".
That's what I'd build my submission around.
They're not obliged to accept the lowest price, so quality is crucial.
Make sure your proposal shows how you'll meet this need.
The challenge of maintenance
It's not just about building the site.
The contract includes 12 months of maintenance and the potential to extend until 2032.
How will you ensure consistent performance?
What processes do you have for updates and bug fixes?
Show how you'll make life easier for CCC
Every contract creates work for the client.
The best contractors reduce that workload.
How will your project management make life easier for the College's team?
Think about communication, problem-solving and responsiveness.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
The website is a tool for the College.
Everything should tie back to their goals.
Every feature, every design choice should support recruitment, information sharing and self-service.
That's the question I'd use to test every part of my proposal.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus too much on technology without linking it to user needs
- Fail to provide concrete evidence of past success
- Ignore the importance of maintenance and future-proofing
- Overlook the College's strategic goals
- Lack clarity on how you'll support the client throughout the project
- Miss the importance of accessibility and user experience
My Final Thoughts
Capital City College is looking for a partner, not just a provider.
They want a team that can deliver a website that truly serves their needs.
The contract is worth £250,000 over the initial 18-month term, with extensions possible until 2032.
Quality will be a significant factor in their decision.
Focus on proving you can deliver a site that meets their strategic goals.
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.