Apply for passenger transport contracts
Apply for passenger transport contracts
Apply, qualify, and bid for passenger transport contracts effectively.
Steps to become a transport operator
Already on an approved supplier?
Check out our frequently asked questions here, where we've provided guidance and advice tailored to you.
Step 1: Becoming an approved supplier
The first step is to become an 'approved supplier'. This involves joining the council's framework, also known as the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS).
What is the DPS?
The DPS is a pre-approval process for transport operators. It assesses suitability for home to school, social services, or supported local bus transport.
You must complete a number of online questionnaires, which are used to determine your suitability. Providers meeting the quality standard join a list of 'approved suppliers'. Individual routes are tendered via what we call 'call-off mini competitions'. Currently, this involves you being invited to bid for a route via email.
The system lets new entrants join at any time. Read about the rules of the DPS here (PDF).
The DPS finds transport for services categorised under 'lots'. Learn more about lots here (PDF).
'Approved Supplier' status means that, at the time of an application to join the DPS, the operator met the minimum standards required to be accepted onto the DPS and committed to meet the additional standards required to operate a council call-off contract, in the event that a contract is awarded to them.
- read an overview of the DPS and the steps to becoming an approved supplier here (PDF)
- find step by step guidance on the application process here (PDF)
Step 2: Participating in call-off mini competitions
Once approved, you will be invited to tender (ITT) for opportunities within each lot.
The ITT will be conducted via email. If you win the mini competition, you will receive a letter/email confirming that you have been awarded the contract.
The following information is not exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with our Terms and Conditions (PDF) and the General Specification (PDF).
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