QOC886 09:00 2026-05-08 Ipswich, Suffolk to CTP Training Academy, Witham, Essex
Suffolk County CouncilEstimated Value
Not specified
Deadline
Not specified
Published
10 June 2026
Type
services
Overview
Home to School Transport: QOC886 09:00 2026-05-08 Ipswich, Suffolk to CTP Training Academy, Witham, Essex
AI Analysis
Powered by AI — always verify against official documents
Suffolk County Council is looking for a home-to-school transport provider to run a daily minibus or coach service picking up a student from Ipswich, Suffolk at 09:00 and delivering them to CTP Training Academy in Witham, Essex. This is a recurring school transport contract starting 8 May 2026.
Requirements
- Vehicle must be suitable for passenger transport (minibus or coach)
- Driver must hold appropriate PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licence
- Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check required for anyone transporting children
- Vehicle must pass MOT and be in roadworthy condition
- Operator must have appropriate insurance for passenger transport
- Contract duration runs from 8 May 2026 (check tender documents for end date and any renewal options)
- Must be able to operate consistently on school days as specified
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Daily collection of student from Ipswich, Suffolk at 09:00
- Transport to CTP Training Academy, Witham, Essex
- Ensure student arrives on time for training academy schedule
- Maintain vehicle to safe operating standards throughout contract
- Provide trained, DBS-cleared driver(s)
- Report any absences or operational issues to council contact
How to Read This Tender
- 1Check the full tender documents immediately for the contract end date, number of school days per year, and any holiday schedules — this affects your actual revenue, not just the start date shown.
- 2Look for the 'Specification' section which will detail exact pickup times, any flexibility needed, special requirements for the student, and emergency contact procedures.
- 3The reference 'QOC886' is the council's contract number — use this in all correspondence and when downloading documents to avoid confusion.
- 4Identify the evaluation criteria (price alone vs. price + quality): some councils score on 'social value' such as driver training, local employment, or community benefit — factor these into your bid if mentioned.
- 5Check terms of payment carefully: councils often pay monthly in arrears, so ensure you have cashflow to cover upfront costs.
Tips for Small Businesses
- If you don't own a suitable vehicle or driver, consider partnering with a larger operator or leasing a minibus — subcontracting is common in school transport, just declare it in your bid.
- Calculate the true cost: factor in fuel, driver wages, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and DBS checks. School transport margins are typically tight, so a detailed cost breakdown prevents underbidding.
- Ask the council directly before bidding: confirm student numbers, any special needs or mobility requirements, exact school term dates, and whether the route is flexible — this information is critical and missing from the advert.
Likely incumbents
Suppliers who won similar work from this buyer in the last 5 years.
- 1
Hawk Express Cabs Ltd
1 contract wonlatest 5 May 2026ends 1 May 2031£21,145
total awarded
Hawk Express Cabs Ltd is the most likely incumbent based on recency and category match. To win, bidders typically need a clearly differentiated proposition or a price advantage.
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
Sign up freeto open noticeA free account takes a moment and unlocks the buyer’s own notice, tender documents, fit scoring and the Bid Writer. From 1 September 2026 opening these links becomes £2/month membership.
Open Bid WriterIndependent software, web & cloud studio. We design, build and grow digital products that quietly outlast their category.
How to Apply
Step-by-step submission guide
Submission Portal
Procurement Portal
Open the original notice
Click the button below to view this tender on the official portal
Find submission instructions
Look for "How to apply" or "Submission" sections in the notice
Register on the portal
Create a free account on the buyer's procurement platform
Download tender documents
Download all specifications, templates, and pricing schedules
Submit before the deadline
Complete all documents and submit through the portal — do not email unless explicitly instructed
Always check the official notice for the exact submission method and deadline.
A free account takes a moment and unlocks the buyer’s own notice, tender documents, fit scoring and the Bid Writer. From 1 September 2026 opening these links becomes £2/month membership.
Buyer Profile
SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCILKey Dates
Published
10 June 2026
Submission deadline
Not specified
Notice type
opportunity
Source
ted eu
Related Contracts
EV charging infrastructure
The University of Dundee is looking for a contractor to supply, install, test, commission and maintain new electric‑vehicle charging points at all its campuses. The contract is fully funded and must replace ageing chargers that are out of warranty.
RA360100 - PHW winter gritting
Bidders are required to read, in full, the specification document. Bidders are required to upload a proposal covering how they will deliver the service as outlined in the specifica
Sheffield dementia advice service
Sheffield City Council is seeking a provider to deliver the Sheffield Dementia Advice Service, a citywide, non-clinical service acting as the single point of access for dementia in
Advice and guidance telephone support service
This is a notice to invite the market to make expressions of interest to provide a mental health advice and guidance telephone support service to the populations of Hull and the Ea