Tender

Framework for Transportation

• Renfrewshire Council F02: Contract notice

Notice identifier: 2026/S 000-022263

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-055411

Published 12 March 2026, 12:13pm

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Contents

one. Contracting authority Press escape key to exit two. Object (4 lots)
- Scope of the procurement
- Lot 1. Additional Support Needs Buses
- Lot 2. Additional Support Needs Taxis
- Lot 3. Ad Hoc Buses
- Lot 4. Ad Hoc Taxis
three. Legal, economic, financial and technical information four. Procedure six. Complementary information

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• Copy link Print this notice Report concerns about this procurement ## Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

Renfrewshire Council

Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street

Paisley

PA1 1JB

Email

shona.brydson@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code

UKM83 - Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire

Internet address(es)

Main address

http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk

Buyer's address

https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00400

one.3) Communication

The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at

https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk

Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address

Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via

https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk

one.4) Type of the contracting authority

Regional or local authority

one.5) Main activity

General public services

Section two: Object

two.1) Scope of the procurement

two.1.1) Title

Framework for Transportation

Reference number

RC-CPU-25-051

two.1.2) Main CPV code

Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

two.1.3) Type of contract

Services

two.1.4) Short description

Renfrewshire Council previously operated a Framework for Transportation (RC-CPU-20-385), which expired in January 2026. The Council is now seeking to establish a new multi-Service Provider Framework.

The Council invites responses to the Invitation to Tender (ITT) for a place on this Framework from suitably qualified Service Providers. The framework will be used to meet Renfrewshire Council’s transport requirements - provision of bus, taxi and private hire car services for Service Users - including children and adults with additional support needs (ASN) as well as tenants, tenant representatives and other Service Users, where required.

Mainstream school transport requirements will continue to be procured through SPT and do not form part of this requirement.

The main users of the Framework will be Renfrewshire Council’s Children’s Services. However, the Framework will be available for use by any Renfrewshire Council service, including Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

The main objective of the Framework is to ensure the provision of safe, suitable, efficient and reliable transport between each Service User’s location (eg place of residence) and their required destination (eg school, day care centres, swimming pools/other leisure facilities, temporary accommodation, etc). Some Call-off Contracts will require an Escort, and where necessary this will be advised by the Council.

There will be four Lots, and Tenderers are invited to bid for any number of Lots, appropriate to their own business structure:

• Lot 1 ASN Buses

• Lot 2 ASN Taxis

• Lot 3 Ad-hoc Buses

• Lot 4 Ad-hoc Taxis

The Framework will start on the Commencement Date as stated in the Letter of Acceptance (anticipated to be mid-June 2026). Service Providers who are successful in obtaining a place on the Framework may have an Appointed Date which differs from the Commencement Date.

The Council will call off from the Framework throughout its duration, but Tenderers should note there is no guaranteed level of spend for any Call-off awarded under the Framework.

Tenderers MUST complete a Master ITT and AT LEAST ONE Lot ITT. Tenderers should note that the Tender has been structured to avoid duplication, and a response to ONE set of Technical Questions will be required, based on a Tenderer's Service offering.

The Council has NOT set a limit on the number of successful Tenderers to be appointed to the Framework or to any one Lot.

two.1.5) Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: £20,000,000

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: Yes

Tenders may be submitted for maximum number of lots
4

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

Additional Support Needs Buses

Lot No

1

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

Hire of buses and coaches with driver

Motor vehicles for the transport of 10 or more persons

Motor vehicles for the transport of fewer than 10 persons

Minibuses

Buses and coaches

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes

• UKM83 - Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire

Main site or place of performance

Renfrewshire and other locations as required by the Council

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The tender will be conducted as an Open Procedure to establish a framework agreement. The weighting for appointment to the Framework is 70% Quality/30% Price

However, Call off Contracts from the Framework will use the Quality score achieved on a pro rata basis - 30% Quality/70% Price (Price being Rates submitted for any Call-off Contract).

two.2.5) Award criteria

Quality criterion - Name: Compliance Questions / Weighting: Pass/Fail

Quality criterion - Name: Cyber Security / Weighting: Pass/Fail

Quality criterion - Name: Insurances / Weighting: Pass/Fail

Quality criterion - Name: Health and Safety / Weighting: Pass/Fail

Quality criterion - Name: Vehicle Breakdown / Weighting: 20%

Quality criterion - Name: Recording of Incidents / Weighting: 5%

Quality criterion - Name: Skills and Training / Weighting: 15%

Quality criterion - Name: Consistency of Drivers/Escorts / Weighting: 20%

Quality criterion - Name: Fair Work First / Weighting: 5%

Quality criterion - Name: Community Benefits / Weighting: 5%

Price - Weighting: 30%

two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months

48

This contract is subject to renewal

No

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

two.2.14) Additional information

For the avoidance of doubt, Call-off Contracts may expire after the Contract End Date

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

Additional Support Needs Taxis

Lot No

2

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

Taxi services

Motor vehicles for the transport of fewer than 10 persons

Hire of passenger cars with driver

Passenger cars

Other passenger cars

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes

• UKM83 - Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire

Main site or place of performance

Renfrewshire and other locations as required by the Council

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The tender will be conducted as an Open Procedure to establish a framework agreement. The weighting for appointment to the Framework is 70% Quality/30% Price

However, Call off Contracts from the Framework will use the Quality score achieved on a pro rata basis - 30% Quality/70% Price (Price being Rates submitted for any Call-off Contract).

two.2.5) Award criteria

Quality criterion - Name: Compliance Questions / Weighting: Pass/Fail

Quality criterion - Name: Cyber Security / Weighting: Pass/Fail

Quality criterion - Name: Insurances / Weighting: Pass/Fail

Quality criterion - Name: Health and Safety / Weighting: Pass/Fail

Quality criterion - Name: Vehicle Breakdown / Weighting: 20%

Quality criterion - Name: Recording of Incidents / Weighting: 5%

Quality criterion - Name: Skills and Training / Weighting: 15%

Quality criterion - Name: Consistency of Drivers/Escorts / Weighting: 20%

Quality criterion - Name: Fair Work First / Weighting: 5%

Quality criterion - Name: Community Benefits / Weighting: 5%

Price - Weighting: 30%

two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months

48

This contract is subject to renewal

No

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

two.2.14) Additional information

For the avoidance of doubt, Call-off Contracts may expire after the Contract End Date

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

Ad Hoc Buses

Lot No

3

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

Hire of buses and coaches with driver

Motor vehicles for the transport of 10 or more persons

Motor vehicles for the transport of fewer than 10 persons

Buses and coaches

Minibuses

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes

• UKM83 - Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire

Main site or place of performance

Renfrewshire and other locations as required by the Council

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The tender will be conducted as an Open Procedure to establish a framework agreement. The weighting for appointment to the Framework is 70% Quality/30% Price

However, Call off Contracts from the Framework will use the Quality score achieved on a pro rata basis - 30% Quality/70% Price (Price being Rates submitted for any Call-off Contract).

two.2.5) Award criteria

Quality criterion - Name: Compliance Questions / Weighting: Pass/Fail

Quality criterion - Name: Cyber Security / Weighting: Pass/Fail

Quality criterion - Name: Insurances / Weighting: Pass/Fail

Quality criterion - Name: Health and Safety / Weighting: Pass/Fail

Quality criterion - Name: Vehicle Breakdown / Weighting: 48%

Quality criterion - Name: Recording of Incidents / Weighting: 12%

Quality criterion - Name: Fair Work First / Weighting: 5%

Quality criterion - Name: Community Benefits / Weighting: 5%

Price - Weighting: 30%

two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months

48

This contract is subject to renewal

No

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

two.2.14) Additional information

For the avoidance of doubt, Call-off Contracts may expire after the Contract End Date

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

Ad Hoc Taxis

Lot No

4

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

Taxi services

Motor vehicles for the transport of fewer than 10 persons

Passenger cars

Hire of passenger cars with driver

Other passenger cars

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes

• UKM83 - Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire

Main site or place of performance

Renfrewshire and other locations as required by the Council

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The tender will be conducted as an Open Procedure to establish a framework agreement. The weighting for appointment to the Framework is 70% Quality/30% Price

However, Call off Contracts from the Framework will use the Quality score achieved on a pro rata basis - 30% Quality/70% Price (Price being Rates submitted for any Call-off Contract).

two.2.5) Award criteria

Quality criterion - Name: Compliance Questions / Weighting: Pass/Fail

Quality criterion - Name: Cyber Security / Weighting: Pass/Fail

Quality criterion - Name: Insurances / Weighting: Pass/Fail

Quality criterion - Name: Health and Safety / Weighting: Pass/Fail

Quality criterion - Name: Vehicle Breakdown / Weighting: 48%

Quality criterion - Name: Recording of Incidents / Weighting: 12%

Quality criterion - Name: Fair Work First / Weighting: 5%

Quality criterion - Name: Community Benefits / Weighting: 5%

Price - Weighting: 30%

two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months

48

This contract is subject to renewal

No

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

two.2.14) Additional information

For the avoidance of doubt, Call-off Contracts may expire after the Contract End Date

Section three. Legal, economic, financial and technical information

three.1) Conditions for participation

three.1.1) Suitability to pursue the professional activity, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers

List and brief description of conditions

Tenderers must provide relevant examples of services carried out in the last three years which demonstrate capacity to deliver services.

Staff must have a completed PVG Check and Service Provider's must comply with the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020.

Each Tenderer will have to confirm understanding that where they are successful in being recommended for appointment to the Framework, a Data Processor Agreement (DPA) must be completed and returned to the Council prior to any appointment of the Framework.

three.1.2) Economic and financial standing

List and brief description of selection criteria

Insurance

• Employer’s Liability Insurance

• Public Liability Insurance

• Statutory third-party motor vehicle insurance

Financial Stability

Tenderers will be expected to demonstrate financial stability to the satisfaction of Renfrewshire Council.

Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required

The following insurance levels will be required as part of this procurement:

Lots 1 and/or 3 (Buses) Minimum Requirements

• Employer’s Liability insurance = 10,000,000 GBP each and every claim. Where a Tenderer believes that they are not required to hold Employer’s Liability insurance then the Tenderer shall state the legal exemption they are relying upon to support this claim.

• Public Liability Insurance = 10,000,000 GBP each and every claim

• Comprehensive motor vehicle insurance – a valid MV certificate in the company name and that cover is unlimited in respect of death or injury and that cover includes a minimum of 5,000,000 GBP property damage cover.

Lots 2 and/or 4 (Taxis) Minimum Requirements

• Employer’s Liability insurance = 10,000,000 GBP each and every claim. Where a Tenderer believes that they are not required to hold Employer’s Liability insurance then the Tenderer shall state the legal exemption they are relying upon to support this claim.

• Public Liability Insurance: 5,000,000 GBP each and every claim

• Comprehensive motor vehicle insurance – a valid MV certificate in the company name and that cover is unlimited in respect of death or injury

Tenderers will be expected to have a minimum Dun and Bradstreet Failure Score of 20 or provide 2 years of Audited Accounts, to demonstrate financial stability to the satisfaction of Renfrewshire Council.

three.1.3) Technical and professional ability

List and brief description of selection criteria

All Drivers shall hold appropriate & valid driving licences for the vehicles being used to deliver the service & to have held the same for not less than 12 consecutive months prior to the Driver’s commencement on the provision of Services.

PSV Drivers will also require a CPC card.

Taxis and Private Hire Cars must meet with, and be operated in accordance with, the requirements of the 1982 Act and the licensing standards and conditions imposed by the licensing authority who issued the licence.

Where required under the terms of the 1982 Act and the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Booking Offices) Order 2009 or any successor legislation, any premises used for the booking of taxis or private hire cars shall be appropriately licensed.

Vehicles provided for use in the provision of the Service must meet the requirements of Law and Guidance as well as the following standards as a minimum and as applicable.

Where a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) is being used then the following minimums will apply:

• The PCV will have a Vehicle Certificate of Fitness.

• The PCV will always display Public Service Vehicle Operator’s Licence.

• The PCV will have Vehicle Registration Documents.;

• Where the PCV is fitted with a tail lift, it will have a Certificate of examination to comply with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.

• A tail lift must only be operated by suitably trained Staff

Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required

All vehicles must:

Be roadworthy.

Be adequately capable of conveying the number of passengers.

Meet all relevant standards of safety in connection with their intended use.

Be adequately and appropriately taxed and insured.

Be correctly licensed.

Have seats which are all fitted with lap and diagonal inertia reel seat belts.

Have suitable wheelchair restraints and seatbelts, where appropriate.

Section four. Procedure

four.1) Description

four.1.1) Type of procedure

Open procedure

four.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system

The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement

Framework agreement with several operators

Envisaged maximum number of participants to the framework agreement: 20

four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes

four.2) Administrative information

four.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure

Notice number: 2025/S 000-035372

four.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate

Date

14 April 2026

Local time

12:00pm

four.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted

English

four.2.6) Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender

Tender must be valid until: 11 September 2026

four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders

Date

14 April 2026

Local time

12:00pm

Information about authorised persons and opening procedure

Tenders will be opened in accordance with the Councils Standing Orders

Section six. Complementary information

six.1) Information about recurrence

This is a recurrent procurement: No

six.2) Information about electronic workflows

Electronic ordering will be used

Electronic invoicing will be accepted

Electronic payment will be used

six.3) Additional information

The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 29701. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343

A sub-contract clause has been included in this contract. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2363

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:

As part of their Tender Submission, each Tenderer will be required to confirm their commitment to delivering Community Benefits throughout the Duration (or after the End Date for Community Benefits which are due in the final 12 months of the Framework).

The Council will earn Community Benefit points, correlated to the level of cumulative spend for the previous 12 months on Call-off Contracts awarded under the Framework, regardless of Lot involved.

The Council will then agree with the Service Provider which Community Benefits to be delivered and timescales for delivery, using the Council’s Community Benefits Outcome Menu (found in the Attachment Area of PCS-T) as the basis for discussion/agreement of Community Benefits to be delivered.

(SC Ref:818369)

six.4) Procedures for review

six.4.1) Review body

See VI.4.3 below

See VI.4.3 below

Country

United Kingdom

six.4.3) Review procedure

Precise information on deadline(s) for review procedures

An economic operator that suffers or risks suffering, loss or damage attributable to breach of duty under the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (SSI 2015/446, as amended) may bring proceedings in the Sheriff Court or the Court of Session in accordance with Regulation 88 of the 2015 Regulations.