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.
Actions
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Buyer Profile
SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCILKey Dates
Published
10 June 2026
Submission deadline
Not specified
Notice type
opportunity
Source
ted eu
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