How long does a care tender take?
Most care tenders run for about 3 to 6 weeks from publication to the submission deadline. Larger frameworks can run longer, and a dynamic purchasing system can stay open continuously. Once you have the documents, the actual writing is usually around a week of focused work. We aim to give every bid roughly a week of writing time, which is why an early eligibility check matters.
The typical timeline
A buyer publishes the opportunity, sets a clarification window, then closes for submissions, usually 3 to 6 weeks later. Evaluation and award can take several more weeks after that. Mobilisation, the run up to actually starting the contract, may add weeks or months depending on the service.
Why starting early matters
The first day or two should go on reading the scoring grid and gathering evidence, not writing. Leaving a bid to the final weekend almost always shows in the answers. We run a free eligibility check before you commit, so you know quickly whether a tender is worth your time and ours.
Not sure if you qualify for a tender? We check it for free, before you pay anything, and we only take bids we believe you can win. Text TENDER to get started.
Common questions
How long does a care tender stay open?
Usually 3 to 6 weeks from publication to deadline. Frameworks can run longer, and a dynamic purchasing system stays open for new applications at any time.
How long does it take to write a care bid?
With the documents in hand, around a week of focused writing for a typical bid. Larger frameworks with many method statements take longer. We aim to give each bid about a week of writing time.
How soon after the deadline will I hear the result?
Evaluation and award commonly take a few weeks, sometimes longer for large contracts. The tender documents usually give an indicative award date and contract start date.
Keep reading
Browse all care tender guides, or see care tender writing by service.
Got a tender to check?
Text TENDER to +44 7822 001898and we'll tell you free whether you'd qualify, before you spend a penny.