Framework Agreement for Ad-Hoc Minibus and Coach Hire

North Lanarkshire Council (the “Council”) requires the provision of passenger transport services to supplement its existing arrangements managed by Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) for school pupil transport (drop-offs and pickups before and after the school day), and transport for pupils with Additional Support Needs (ASN).

To enable the delivery of critical / key service provision, the council intends to establish a multi-lot, multi-supplier framework agreement for minibus and coach hire services to provide ad-hoc passenger journeys, primarily for educational purposes but available for use by other Council departments.

Transport required via the framework agreement will be used for a variety of purposes, including (but not limited to) one-off day trips, educational visits, cultural excursions and short-term block bookings such as swimming lessons, sports training etc.

the framework agreement shall include the provision of appropriately sized and equipped vehicles, qualified drivers, and compliance with all relevant safety and safeguarding standards. Optional elements, such as enhanced accessibility features or additional vehicle capacities, may be considered or sought via the framework agreement but are not mandatory.

Further information on the Lots, including applied Sub-Lots is detailed below however it is anticipated that a maximum of seven (7) Contractors shall be appointed to each of the five (5) Lots of the framework agreement.

Full information on the Details of Requirements to be applied within the framework agreement are detailed in ITT Annex 1 available via PCS-Tender.

Tenderers must complete the SPD (Scotland) within the Qualification Envelope of the PCS Tender. Full Selection criteria is as stated in the procurement documents

All Tenderers must complete the required Qualification and Technical Envelope applicable to all Lots, and Sub-Lots they are bidding for within the PCS-Tender as instructed.

Late Tenders will not be considered under any circumstances. For the avoidance of any doubt, automated messages confirming receipt of a Tender should not be taken to imply acceptance of it by the Council. The Council will not provide additional notification to any Bidder of the rejection of a late Tender.

The complete Tender (complete with SPD (Scotland)) should be submitted in accordance with the instructions detailed in PCS-Tender.

The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 30454. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343

Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/

A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows:

Tenderers should refer to Annex 2 of the ITT Document located within the PCS-Tender for further information on the Councils Community Benefit expectations within the framework agreement.