Sometimes, the smartest bid… is no bid at all.

Last week, we supported a brilliant team who were considering a large public sector opportunity. On the surface, it looked like a great fit — a high-value contract in their wheelhouse, well-aligned with their values and expertise.

But as we dug into the detail, things didn’t quite add up.

📌 The tender was issued just months before the current contract ends — with minimal time for mobilisation.

📌 There was little to no market engagement, despite the scale of the service.

📌 The incumbent provider is already delivering the number of units the commissioner requires from day one of the new contract start date.

📌 No mention of how care packages, funding, or tenancies will transfer — and the incumbent also owns the properties.

All signs pointed to this being a contract refresh rather than a genuinely open competition.

So what did we advise?

We helped our client weigh the risks, consider the true “winnability,” and—after careful reflection—they made the tough but strategic call not to bid.

This is the kind of support Bid Smart is proud to offer. We’re not just here to write winning bids. We’re here to be a trusted partner, offering clear, honest advice — even when that means saying, “This one might not be for you.”

💡 Integrity matters. Strategy matters. And knowing when to walk away can be just as powerful as knowing when to dive in.

If you’re looking for a bid partner who’s got your back beyond the paperwork, let’s chat: hello@bid-smart.co.uk