Getting procurement right: Why a strategic, user-centred approach matters

The challenge is not just writing an RFP (Request for Proposal) or RFT (Request for Tender). It is making sure the process itself is strategic, that what you are asking for genuinely meets organisational goals and user needs, and represents value for money over the long term.

That is where a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to tender development makes the difference between a compliant process and a successful one.

Defining what you really need

Too often, tenders begin with a list of features or technical specifications. But a website or digital service is not just a product to be bought, it is an experience to be designed, a tool to support your mission, and a touchpoint for the audiences you serve.

Before writing a specification, it’s essential to pause and ask:

• What outcomes do we need this project to achieve?
• How will it support our wider organisational strategy?
• Who are our audiences, and what do they need from us?

Procurement consulting can help you answer those questions clearly, ensuring that your tender is built on understanding, not assumptions.

Aligning with strategy and purpose

A well-planned procurement process does more than meet compliance standards. It aligns the proposed solution with your organisation’s broader objectives, from improving accessibility and inclusivity, to supporting sustainability goals, to delivering better digital experiences for citizens and communities.

Strategic sourcing ensures that every pound spent contributes to those outcomes. It connects the practical details of procurement with the bigger picture of public value.

Embedding accessibility and usability from the start

Accessibility and user experience should never be an afterthought. In the public sector, they are core responsibilities, essential to providing equitable access to information and services.

A user-centred approach to tendering means accessibility and usability are not just mentioned in the brief; they are embedded in the requirements, evaluation criteria and delivery expectations.

This leads to digital services that are easier to use, more inclusive, and better aligned with public expectations, meeting both compliance standards and the spirit of good design.

The value of independent tender consulting

Working with an experienced RFT procurement consultant gives your organisation an external perspective, one that is objective, evidence-based, and grounded in industry best practice.

At Path, we help clients:

• Define needs clearly and objectively.
• Translate strategy and user insight into clear, actionable tender documents.
• Embed accessibility, usability and quality from the outset.
• Evaluate responses with confidence and consistency.

Our goal is to make the process clearer, smoother and more defensible, ensuring that the final outcome genuinely serves your users and supports your organisation’s mission.

Clear thinking, better outcomes

If you are preparing to commission a new website, digital service or content platform, we can help you define the right approach and build a clear, user-centred brief. Let’s start the conversation, contact us at hello@path.ie to schedule a call.