(Trafford, Rochdale, Stockport & Tameside Councils) Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for Home to School Transport including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Vulnerable Adults Transport ((Trafford, Rochdale, Stockport & Tameside Councils) D...
Trafford CouncilEstimated Value
Not specified
Deadline
31 August 2026
Published
31 August 2024
Type
Not specified
Overview
The STAR Authorities (Trafford, Rochdale, Stockport & Tameside) are looking to establish a Dynamic Purchasing System for Home to School Transport including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Vulnerable Adults Transport.The DPS requires transportation of both children and adults on various regular scheduled and ad hoc journeys in minicabs, minibuses, Hackney Carriages, tail lift vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles (MPV’s). Clients using the service may be vulnerable and may have learning disabilities, behavioural problems, sensory and/or hearing difficulties, an autistic spectrum condition or another physical disability.All documentation and requirements are contained within the tender package.
AI Analysis
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Four Greater Manchester councils (Trafford, Rochdale, Stockport, and Tameside) are setting up a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) to find transport providers for getting children to and from school, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, plus transport for vulnerable adults. This is an ongoing framework where providers can join and bid for individual journeys as they arise, rather than a one-off contract.
Requirements
- Must hold a valid Operator's Licence (O-Licence) issued by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner
- Must have appropriate vehicle insurance for passenger transport
- Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance for all drivers and staff with passenger contact
- Compliance with Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults policies
- Vehicles must meet accessibility standards for passengers with disabilities (wheelchair accessible where required)
- Drivers must have appropriate vocational qualifications (likely PCV Category D1 or D licence)
- Ability to manage and communicate journey changes and cancellations
- Compliance with GDPR and data protection for handling passenger information
- Insurance cover for liability and passengers
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Provide daily school transport runs (morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up) to multiple schools across four council areas
- Transport children with special educational needs and disabilities, potentially requiring trained staff and adapted vehicles
- Provide transport for vulnerable adults to day centres, appointments, or activity programmes
- Maintain vehicles to roadworthiness standards and complete safety inspections
- Manage driver training and safeguarding compliance
- Respond to journey requests and adjust routes as needed throughout the academic year
- Submit invoices and manage payment claims for completed journeys
- Provide real-time communication if services cannot be delivered (breakdowns, illness, etc.)
How to Read This Tender
- 1A DPS (Dynamic Purchasing System) is not a fixed contract — you're joining a 'framework' where you can bid for individual journeys as the councils need them. This means ongoing work potential but also income variability; read the full tender to understand how journey requests will be issued and how quickly you need to respond.
- 2Look for the 'Call-off' or 'mini-competition' section in the full documents — this explains how councils will request specific transport jobs and how you'll be evaluated each time.
- 3Check the 'Evaluation Criteria' section carefully — councils often weight price, quality, and social value (e.g. local employment, training) differently; understanding this helps you pitch what you're good at.
- 4The Operator's Licence and DBS requirements are non-negotiable — if you don't have these, you cannot bid. Factor in 8-12 weeks for DBS checks if you're new to this.
- 5Watch for vehicle accessibility requirements — if you bid for SEND transport, councils will specify wheelchair lifts or other adaptations; quotes for adapted vehicles are significantly higher than standard minibuses.
Tips for Small Businesses
- This is a good fit for small transport operators (3-20 vehicles) because councils need flexibility and local knowledge. However, you'll compete against larger operators; consider emphasizing reliability, personal service, and knowledge of local schools and routes.
- Subcontracting opportunity: if you have a spare vehicle or driver but don't want to take on full compliance, partner with an established transport firm already on the framework to supply capacity — they'll handle invoicing and safeguarding.
- Social value scores well in Greater Manchester tenders — if you offer apprenticeships for young drivers, employ local staff, or support community transport, include this in your bid. It can tip the scales against cheaper competitors.
Likely incumbents
Suppliers who won similar work from this buyer in the last 5 years.
- 1
Allan Carr's Easy Way
Allan Carr's Easy Way is the most likely incumbent based on recency and category match. To win, bidders typically need a clearly differentiated proposition or a price advantage.
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Buyer Profile
Trafford CouncilKey Dates
Published
31 August 2024
Submission deadline
31 August 2026
Source
procontract
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