GP Federation Competitive Tender Bid Support 

At Scale supported a London GP Federation to secure a competitive contract for a clinical service with exceptionally tight commissioner deadlines. With limited spare capacity and a demanding mobilisation window, At Scale supported the Federation’s bid development, service model redesign and submission process to a successful outcome.

The contract reflected a place-based commissioning approach, creating a left shift from hospital to local service delivery that emphasised the importance of developing neighbourhood-led delivery models.

At Scale swiftly analysed the specification and competitive landscape, working with clinical and operational leads to define the key components of the response.

The redesigned service model aligned to the Federation’s ambitions to provide services at both place and neighbourhood level, providing improved patient experience, improved clinical outcomes and a modernised service model.  The process included mapping clinical pathways, improving referral and follow-up, enhancing digital and reporting elements, and planning for rapid mobilisation.

At Scale led the drafting and integration of the tender response, ensuring clear demonstration of governance, risk management, and delivery capability.

A detailed mobilisation plan was developed, covering activities, workforce, governance, and patient transition, reassuring commissioners of readiness and improvement focus.

Quality assurance, compliance checks, and final editing ensured a compliant submission within a very tight word count!

The Federation was successful in winning the contract, securing delivery of the service despite strong competition from a range of bidders. Commissioners noted the strength of the service model, the mobilisation plan and the Federation’s understanding of quality, risk and local patient needs. At Scale’s approach enabled the Federation to submit a professionally written, comprehensive bid that met all requirements and demonstrated readiness to implement a redesigned pathway at pace.

This example demonstrates how Federations and other collaboratives can confidently approach future opportunities through effective bid preparation under pressure. The opportunity to respond to out of hospital care to local service provision is a key component of the Federations business model and support of the NHS 10-year plan objectives.