The Process
The process follows the same core stages as a standard submission — but with additional coordination across multiple organisations. Consortium bids take longer and are more complex to manage. We build that into the timeline from day one.
Discovery call
Before any work begins, we carry out our standard eligibility and compliance review — checking that both the lead organisation and any subcontractors meet the requirements of the specific opportunity. We confirm the structure of the partnership and establish who is responsible for what before the process starts.
Kickoff call — all parties together
The kickoff call includes both the lead organisation and subcontractor(s) in the same session. Getting everyone together at the start means responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations are clear to all parties from the beginning — not communicated secondhand through the lead. We scope the full submission, set milestones, and request all required policies and compliance documents from every organisation involved.
SME review — joint session
We run a single joint subject matter expert review with all parties together. This ensures the submission reflects a coherent, aligned service model rather than a patchwork of separate organisational perspectives. Everyone hears the same questions and contributes to the same answers — which produces a much stronger, more consistent response.
Drafting
We draft the full submission drawing on the input gathered from all parties. The draft reflects the combined service offer — presenting the lead and subcontractor(s) as a unified delivery model rather than separate organisations working in parallel.
Draft review
Where time allows, both the lead organisation and subcontractor(s) review the draft. Every party needs to be satisfied with how their organisation and its role is represented before the submission goes in. This stage can take longer in a consortium bid — coordinating feedback across multiple organisations requires clear deadlines and prompt responses from all parties.
Final approval and submission
All parties must approve the final submission before it is submitted. We manage this process and submit on behalf of the lead organisation once sign-off has been received from everyone involved.
FAQ’s
Typically around one week, though this depends on everyone’s availability across all organisations involved. Consortium bids require input and sign-off from multiple parties, so the timeline is directly affected by how quickly each organisation can respond and engage. We build the schedule around the submission deadline from day one and adjust the pace accordingly.
The most important thing is that all parties — the lead organisation and any subcontractors — are aligned and available. We will send calendar invites to ensure everyone is in the same session. You do not need to prepare a formal brief in advance; just come ready to discuss your organisation, your service, and your proposed partnership arrangement. We will guide the conversation from there.
Yes — the process can be condensed to meet a tight deadline. However, this is not recommended where it can be avoided. Shortening the timeline increases the risk of missing information, incomplete documentation, or insufficient review time. Where a shortened process is agreed, BidElevate cannot be held responsible for any gaps or omissions that result from the reduced timeframe. We will always flag any concerns clearly before proceeding.
Once the submission has gone in, we hand over portal access to the lead organisation and provide aftercare support — monitoring for any clarification requests or updates from the commissioner. Submission is not the end of the process; what happens in the post-submission period can be just as important as the bid itself.
What happens after submission?
Submission doesn’t have to be the end.
Once your bid has been submitted, our support does not stop. We provide aftercare through the post-submission period — monitoring the portal, handling clarification requests, and keeping you informed of any updates from the commissioner.
🎉SUCCESS STORY
£750,000 NHS contract awarded to a South London CIC + Subcontractor
BidElevate wrote and submitted the full tender on behalf of a community interest company and their subcontractor partner for the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) Housing and Social Support Navigation service.
The organisation was awarded the contract in July 2026, valued at £750,000 over the contract term.