Why use this tool?
Security tender documents are often underspecified, leading to proposals that cannot be compared, suppliers that over-promise, and contracts that underdeliver. This assistant helps you build a structured specification with clear evaluation criteria from the start.
Use it before going to market, or to strengthen an existing tender that may lack the depth needed to evaluate suppliers properly.
Who should use this?
Before you begin
This tool helps you structure a security tender. The output is a planning document — not a binding specification. Final tender documents should be reviewed by your procurement team.
Free procurement tool for buyers
Security Tender Specification Builder
Build a ready-to-edit security tender specification in about ten minutes. Download it as a Word document with scope wording, UK compliance requirements (SIA licensing, ACS, British Standards), KPIs, TUPE and pay transparency, weighted quality questions, a pricing schedule and a scoring scale.
Free · No sign-up · About 10 minutes
Build a security tender specification you can actually issue
A practical assistant for buying guarding, patrols, monitoring, CCTV, access control, intruder, fire and related security services across one site, several lots or a mixed estate package.
What this tool will produce
An editable Word specification you can issue to bidders
Scope wording for each service, with [brackets] to complete
UK minimum requirements: SIA licensing, ACS, BS 7858 vetting and the right British Standards
KPIs, a pricing schedule and TUPE and pay transparency wording
Weighted quality questions with a 0 to 5 scoring scale
Warning signs to watch for in supplier responses
Important note
Practical guidance, not formal procurement advice
This assistant is designed as structured buyer-side support. It should be used alongside your organisation’s own procurement, legal, commercial and professional processes where appropriate. It does not constitute legal, regulatory or formal procurement advice.
Understanding your results
The assistant generates:
A structured tender specification covering your selected service scope
Scored evaluation criteria and weighting matrix
Supplier question bank and method statement prompts
Due diligence checklist and red-flag indicators
Limitations: The output is a planning document to support procurement. It should be reviewed and adapted by your procurement and legal teams before issuing.
Common mistakes to avoid
Issuing tenders without clear evaluation criteria
Without structured scoring, procurement decisions become subjective and harder to defend.
Focusing on price alone
The cheapest tender often underdelivers. A balanced scorecard covering quality, compliance, management and value produces better outcomes.
Not specifying reporting requirements
Vague reporting expectations lead to poor visibility during the contract. Define what you need to see, how often, and in what format.
What happens next?
Review and adapt the specification with your procurement team.
Use the Security Comparator to benchmark the models you will evaluate.
Contact SPS Security if you would like support reviewing your tender approach.
Security Tender & Specification Assistant — FAQs
An editable Word specification covering scope of services, minimum requirements, KPIs, TUPE and pay transparency, weighted quality questions, a pricing schedule, a 0 to 5 scoring scale and a timetable, plus notes for evaluators.
A clear scope for each service, pass/fail minimum requirements (insurance, SIA licensing, vetting to BS 7858, relevant British Standards), measurable KPIs, scored quality questions with weightings, a pricing schedule that shows officer pay separately from the charge rate, TUPE information and a timetable.
Often, yes. Where officers are assigned to the contract, TUPE is likely to apply on a change of provider. Ask the incumbent for anonymised workforce information to include in the tender pack, allow time in the mobilisation plan, and take HR or legal advice for your contract.
Public sector security tenders are published on the government's Find a Tender service and on Contracts Finder, with Public Contracts Scotland and Sell2Wales covering Scotland and Wales. This tool is for buyers writing a tender, rather than suppliers looking for one.
It is a draft. Complete the bracketed sections and check it with your procurement, legal and HR advisers before issue. It is not legal advice.
Yes. No login, no obligation, and you can download the specification without giving contact details.
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