DPS for Home to School Transportation by Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV)
Estimated Value
Up to £0
Deadline
30 June 2026
Published
1 January 2024
Type
Service Contract
Overview
Stockton on Tees Borough Council is publishing this opportunity to seek suitable and qualified Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV) operators to be included on the Council's Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS).
AI Analysis
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Stockton on Tees Borough Council is building a list of approved coach and minibus operators (PCV operators) who can provide home-to-school transport services. If you operate passenger carrying vehicles, you can apply to join their Dynamic Purchasing System so the council can call on you for school transport contracts as needed.
Requirements
- Valid Operator's Licence for Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV)
- Public Liability Insurance (minimum cover amount to be confirmed in full tender documents)
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance for drivers working with children
- Safety and compliance with Traffic Commissioner regulations
- Evidence of suitable vehicles meeting Department for Transport standards for school transport
- Ability to provide on-demand transport services as the council requests them
- No specific financial turnover threshold mentioned — check full tender documents
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Provide home-to-school transport using coach and minibus vehicles when the council requests it
- Operate within Stockton on Tees borough and potentially surrounding areas
- Maintain vehicles to school transport safety standards throughout the contract period
- Ensure all drivers hold appropriate licenses and Enhanced DBS clearance
- Respond to council requests for transport at short notice as part of the dynamic system
- Invoice the council for journeys completed and submit required compliance documentation
How to Read This Tender
- 1This is a 'Dynamic Purchasing System' (DPS) — not a one-off contract. You're applying to be pre-approved so the council can book you for work as it arises, rather than competing each time. Read the full terms to understand how often you might be called upon and notice periods required.
- 2The 'PCV Operator's Licence' is essential — this is not optional. If you don't have one, you cannot bid. Check with the Traffic Commissioner for your region (North East for Stockton) that your licence covers the areas and vehicle types mentioned.
- 3Look carefully at the 'Compliance and Safety' section in full documents. School transport has strict rules: vehicle condition standards, driver training requirements, enhanced DBS checks, and child safeguarding policies are likely non-negotiable.
- 4Check the pricing structure section. DPS contracts often use a call-off mechanism — understand how rates are set (fixed price per journey, hourly rates, mileage-based) and what costs you need to cover (fuel, maintenance, driver wages, insurance).
- 5Insurance and liability are critical for child transport. The full tender will specify minimum Public Liability cover — make sure your current policy meets this or budget for a premium increase before bidding.
Tips for Small Businesses
- If you operate just one or two vehicles but don't have an Operator's Licence yet, consider partnering with a licensed operator via a consortium or subcontracting agreement. Many councils allow this — you could supply the vehicles or drivers while they hold the licence.
- School transport is seasonal — ask in the tender documents about guaranteed minimum work versus ad-hoc booking. Some DPS contracts offer steady term-time routes; others are genuinely 'as required'. Budget accordingly and consider whether you can absorb quieter months.
- Social value points often apply in local authority contracts. Highlight any apprenticeships you offer, local recruitment, community involvement, or environmental credentials (low-emission vehicles) in your bid — these can help you score higher even if your price isn't the lowest.
Actions
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How to Apply
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Key Dates
Published
1 January 2024
Submission deadline
30 June 2026
Notice type
Dynamic Purchasing System
Source
council:nepo-north-east
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