Estimated Value
Not specified
Deadline
29 January 2027
156 days remaining
Published
8 December 2022
Type
Not specified
Overview
Please be aware that Bristol City Council Intend to publish a waking watch DPS (Dynamic Purchasing System) the week beginning the 12th December 2022. It is our intention that we will close this first round on the 9th January 2023.
We apologise for this short turn around however there is an urgency to carry out our first call off from this DPS by the end of January 2023. Please be aware that following the closure of the first round on 9th January 2023, there will immediately be further opportunity to join the DPS.
A waking watch is a fire safety system where suitably trained staff continually patrol the floors and the exterior perimeter of a building to maintain the safety of its occupants from fire. The aim of a waking watch is to ensure there is sufficient warning in the event of a fire to support the evacuation strategy.
Additional details
A waking watch is required when fire safety issues change the evacuation policy of a building from stay put to simultaneous evacuation. This change requires fire marshals/wardens to patrol the building 24 hours a day looking for signs of fire.
AI Analysis
Powered by AI — always verify against official documents
This is a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for waking watch services needed by the City of London Corporation's housing team. Waking watch means trained staff who stay awake overnight to monitor buildings for fire safety risks — this is typically a temporary measure while fire safety improvements are being made. Multiple suppliers can join this framework and bid on individual jobs as they arise.
Requirements
- Must be able to provide trained waking watch staff available at short notice
- Staff must be suitable for overnight shift work and building monitoring
- Must be able to work across multiple City of London properties
- Likely need for flexible staffing to cover varying durations (short-term to medium-term placements)
- No specific certifications mentioned in this notice — check full tender documents for fire safety or security qualifications required
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Supply trained waking watch personnel for overnight shifts at City of London housing buildings
- Provide staff capable of monitoring for fire safety hazards and responding to incidents
- Deliver flexible, responsive staffing cover as individual call-offs are requested
- Maintain records and reporting on waking watch patrols and observations
How to Read This Tender
- 1A DPS is different from a one-off contract — you're applying to join a 'framework' where multiple suppliers are pre-approved, then the City calls off (orders) services as needed. You won't get a guaranteed amount of work.
- 2The notice gives you the headline; the real detail is in the full tender documents. Download and read the specification carefully to understand exactly what waking watch duties are required, shift lengths, location details, and any equipment/training they'll provide.
- 3Look for the evaluation criteria — this will tell you how heavily they weight price versus quality, experience, and any 'social value' commitments (e.g. local hiring, apprenticeships). Many councils score these heavily.
- 4Check the contract terms section for payment terms (how quickly you get paid), insurance requirements, and any penalties or break clauses.
- 5Flag the mobilisation timeline — how quickly can you deploy staff once you win a call-off? If they need people within days, you'll need rapid recruitment and training in place.
Tips for Small Businesses
- If you're a small staffing firm, this could be a good steady source of work without the sales overhead of winning individual tenders — once approved, the City may keep calling you back. However, you'll compete with other framework suppliers, so demonstrate reliability and competitive pricing.
- Consider whether you have capacity for overnight shift work. If you're tight on resources, think about subcontracting arrangements with other recruitment firms, or recruiting dedicated night staff upfront. Price your bids accordingly.
- Emphasise any previous experience with housing associations, fire safety awareness, or council contracts. Social value matters to councils — highlight local recruitment, staff training, or support for disadvantaged groups if relevant to your business.
Likely incumbents
Suppliers who won similar work from this buyer in the last 5 years.
- 1
Constellia Public Ltd
5 contracts wonlatest 17 Jun 2026ends 6 Apr 2030£663,571
total awarded
- 2
Civica UK Ltd
£45,888
total awarded
- 3
Specialist Computer Centres plc
2 contracts wonlatest 27 Apr 2026ends 28 Feb 2029£8m
total awarded
- 4
Milestones Trust
1 contract wonlatest 18 Aug 2026 - 5
Showcase PSR Limited
Constellia Public Ltd is the most likely incumbent based on recency and category match. To win, bidders typically need a clearly differentiated proposition or a price advantage.
Before you bid, buyers check
two years of filed accountsyour financial standingturnover vs contract valueyour Companies House recordcash flow for 30-day termscredit scores and ratios
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Buyer Profile
Bristol City CouncilKey Dates
Published
8 December 2022
Submission deadline
29 January 2027
Source
procontract
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