Featured tenders from
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 🇬🇧

The Public Contracts Regimes several public‑sector organisations, including YPO, have invited providers to join a new Framework Agreement for the delivery of apprenticeship standards and associated training alongside YPO’s own internal requirements. The framework aligns precisely with the routes defined by Skills England and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), organised into 15 occupational routes and covering 646 approved standards across 11 regions. Providers can bid for any standard that has ever been listed on the framework or for new standards added quarterly, and each standard can accommodate an unlimited number of providers to meet market demand.

The framework will remain current by incorporating any changes to routes or standards issued by Skills England/DWP on a quarterly basis, with YPO updating the structure accordingly. New providers will have the opportunity to join the framework each quarter, subject to the Publication of a notice and a short notice period for any adjustments to the cycle. All deliveries must adhere to the standards and guidance set out by Skills England and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Kent County Council, the largest council in England, is procuring a Dynamic Purchasing System for Supported Local Bus services, including the Kent Karrier routes, and Home to School Transport services. The council’s objective is to secure socially essential bus operations that are not commercially viable, thereby maintaining rural connectivity and providing free bus travel for eligible schoolchildren. The system, established in 2016 and now extended to 23 February 2029, remains open to a range of providers, particularly SMEs and VCSEs, to ensure continuity and accessibility of these vital transport services across the county.

The required services must be operated using Public Service Vehicle (PSV) permits or Community Bus permits under Sections 19 or 22. Providers will deliver either minibus, coach, or full-size bus transport depending on pupil demand, and may run the routes either as a public bus service or as a privately hired vehicle. Full terms, conditions and technical specifications are set out in the tender documentation, which will guide operators on eligibility and service delivery expectations.

All operations must be conducted under a valid Public Service Vehicle or Community Bus Permit and adhere to the applicable safety, accessibility, and environmental standards.

Kent County Council is procuring services through a Dynamic Purchasing System to supply home‑to‑school transport for children and students with special educational needs. The contract requires the delivery of safe, efficient transportation to and from selected schools, with transport providers expected to ensure that learners arrive prepared for learning and return safely at the end of the day. Operative communication with the Council, schools and parents or guardians is a key component of the service, fostering a proactive tri‑party dialogue throughout the school day.

The Council seeks suppliers that can provide fully equipped vehicles, skilled drivers and passenger assistants capable of meeting the distinct needs of each child, including those with learning difficulties, mental health and behavioural challenges, speech and language impairments, autism spectrum disorders, visual and hearing impairments, multi‑sensory conditions, physical disabilities and hidden disabilities. Vehicles and personnel must comply with safeguarding requirements and possess the appropriate skills and equipment to support the individual needs of every passenger as stipulated in the contract specification.

All technical specifications, including vehicle suitability, driver qualifications, passenger assistant competencies and safeguarding protocols, are detailed in the tender documentation and must be adhered to by any successful supplier.

Wigan Council seeks to establish a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for home-to-school and adult social care transportation services. The DPS will facilitate the procurement of transport services encompassing home-to-school transport for children with special educational needs attending various educational settings, including special schools, mainstream schools, colleges, alternative education settings, and residential services. Additionally, the DPS will cover home-to-college transport for young adults with special educational needs attending mainstream colleges and adult social care transport for adults attending daycare facilities operated by Wigan Council, community interest companies, or respite care providers.

Providers participating in the DPS must be capable of offering a range of vehicle types to accommodate diverse client needs. These vehicles include standard cars, accessible taxis, black cabs, minibuses (with varying seating capacities), tail lift vehicles equipped with a minimum 300kg tail lift, and coaches. Clients may have specific vulnerabilities such as learning disabilities, behavioral problems, sensory or hearing difficulties, autistic spectrum disorder, or physical disabilities. Some journeys will necessitate the presence of a Passenger Assistant provided by Wigan Council.

The DPS is valid until February 23rd, 2029, with individual contracts commencing at various times based on Wigan Council's requirements. Home-to-school contracts are typically awarded for the academic year. The DPS duration may be shortened or terminated subject to appropriate notification. This procurement opportunity is suitable for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) but not Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs).

Dorset Council seeks to establish a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for Passenger Transport Services. This DPS will create a pool of pre-qualified suppliers capable of providing various passenger transport services on an as-needed basis.

The specific services encompassed within the DPS include School Transport, Supported Public Passenger Transport, and Transport for Social Care Purposes. School Transport may involve conveying children to educational institutions, potentially including those with special educational needs and children in care. Supported Public Passenger Transport aims to assist individuals who face challenges accessing standard public transportation options. Transport for Social Care Purposes encompasses services that transport individuals to medical appointments, social engagements, or other destinations related to their care requirements.

Contracts awarded through the DPS will primarily be based on price, although Dorset Council retains the right to utilize a combination of price and quality criteria for evaluation. Organizations interested in joining the DPS must fulfill specific exclusion and selection criteria outlined on the e-procurement portal. The estimated total value of passenger transport services required by Dorset Council over the next two years is £80 million.