Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for Transport Related Contracts (2)
Strathclyde Partnership for TransportEstimated Value
Up to £900,000,000
Deadline
1 July 2026
Published
22 May 2026
Type
services
Overview
SPT as a contracting authority is purchasing transport related service contracts including but not limited to schools, vocational and additional support needs (ASN) requirements on behalf of the following contracting authorities and their arm's length organisations: Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Argyll & Bute and Inverclyde. SPT is the agent for the above-mentioned Councils.
Any contracts awarded will be between the Council and the awarded Operator. Provision of transport related service contracts within Glasgow City or cross border areas.
Provision of transport related service contracts within North Lanarkshire or cross border areas. Provision of transport related service contracts within South Lanarkshire or cross border areas.
Additional details
Provision of transport related service contracts within East Dunbartonshire or cross border areas. Provision of transport related service contracts within West Dunbartonshire or cross border areas.
Provision of transport related service contracts within East Renfrewshire or cross border areas. Provision of transport related service contracts within Renfrewshire or cross border areas.
Provision of transport related service contracts within East Ayrshire or cross border areas. Provision of transport related service contracts within North Ayshire or cross border areas.
Provision of transport related service contracts within South Ayrshire or cross border areas. Provision of transport related service contracts within Argyll & Bute or cross border areas. Provision of transport related service contracts within Inverclyde or cross border areas.
AI Analysis
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SPT (Strathclyde Partnership for Transport) is setting up a Dynamic Purchasing System — essentially an open-ended framework — to buy transport services on behalf of 12 Scottish councils. If you win a place on this system, you can bid for individual transport contracts (school runs, vocational training routes, support for disabled passengers) as they come up across the west of Scotland.
Requirements
- Must be able to provide transport services (coaches, minibuses, or similar vehicles)
- Must operate within one or more of the 12 council areas listed (Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Argyll & Bute, Inverclyde)
- Must be able to serve cross-border routes where required
- Must be able to handle school transport contracts
- Must be able to handle vocational training transport contracts
- Must be able to handle additional support needs (ASN) transport — i.e. routes for passengers with disabilities or additional requirements
- No specific certifications or qualifications mentioned in this notice — check full tender documents for insurance, operator licensing, and safeguarding requirements
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Provide scheduled school transport services across contracted routes
- Provide vocational training and college transport services
- Provide specialist transport for passengers with additional support needs (ASN)
- Operate vehicles to agreed timetables and quality standards
- Manage passenger safety and duty of care (especially for vulnerable passengers)
- Respond to individual contract calls as they are issued through the Dynamic Purchasing System
How to Read This Tender
- 1This is a 'Dynamic Purchasing System' (DPS) — not a single contract. You're applying to join a pre-approved list of suppliers. Once you're on it, councils will issue individual mini-tenders or direct calls for specific routes. You won't know the exact routes, vehicles, or values upfront.
- 2Note that SPT is the agent but contracts are actually between you and the individual Council — so you'll have multiple employers across the 12 authorities. This matters for invoicing, compliance, and service standards.
- 3The description lists 12 separate 'lots' (one per council area). You don't have to bid for all of them — you can apply for the specific geographic areas where you can operate. Focus on regions where you already have a depot, drivers, or operational presence.
- 4This contract type is open-ended and ongoing. There's no fixed end date in this notice, so check the full tender documents for the DPS duration and review/renewal terms.
- 5ASN (additional support needs) transport is highly regulated. If you're unfamiliar with this sector, expect strict safeguarding, training, and possibly specialist vehicle requirements. Flag this early in your evaluation.
Tips for Small Businesses
- Consider applying only for the council areas where you already operate. Don't overstretch across all 12 — focus on 2–3 regions you know well. You can always apply to join other lots later.
- This DPS structure is ideal for subcontracting. If you're a small operator, consider partnering with a larger transport company that will subcontract individual routes to you, rather than bidding alone across multiple councils.
- School and ASN transport contracts often score heavily on social value in the procurement evaluation. Highlight any apprenticeships, local recruitment, community links, or training you offer for drivers. This can outweigh a slightly higher price bid.
Before you bid, buyers check
two years of filed accountsyour financial standingturnover vs contract valueyour Companies House recordcash flow for 30-day termscredit scores and ratios
Actions
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How to Apply
Step-by-step submission guide
Submission Portal
Find a Tender
Open the original notice
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Check the procedure type
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Access the eSourcing portal
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Complete the Selection Questionnaire
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Submit electronically
Upload your completed response through the eSourcing platform before the closing date and time
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Buyer Profile
Strathclyde Partnership for TransportKey Dates
Published
22 May 2026
Submission deadline
1 July 2026
Notice type
tender
Source
find a tender
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