Bus Services Framework

{
  "id": "080680-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planningUpdate"
  ],
  "date": "2026-08-25T10:03:20+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06eafa",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PNTB-4383-VMJH",
    "name": "Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive T/A Nexus"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06eafa",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planning",
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2029-11-01T23:59:59Z",
          "startDate": "2026-11-01T00:00:00Z",
          "maxExtentDate": "2031-11-01T23:59:59Z"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UKC",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "34120000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Motor vehicles for the transport of 10 or more persons"
          },
          {
            "id": "60000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Transport services (excl. Waste transport)"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Bus Services Framework",
    "value": {
      "amount": 200000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 240000000
    },
    "status": "planning",
    "amendments": [
      {
        "id": "080680-2026",
        "description": "Framework total estimated value amended"
      }
    ],
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "techniques": {
      "hasFrameworkAgreement": true
    },
    "description": "The proposed Bus Services Framework is being established to support the future procurement of a wide range of bus and passenger transport services. These include secured local bus services, schools and works transport, group travel, seasonal services, Metro replacement services, and other operational or emergency transport requirements. The framework will operate as a closed framework agreement for an initial three-year period, with the option to extend for up to 24 months. The total estimated framework value is up to £200 million across the potential five-year term.\nNexus currently spends around £20 million each year on bus service contracts procured through a number of separate tendering exercises. The new framework aims to provide a more efficient and flexible procurement route, reducing the need for repeated procurements while maintaining competition and supporting effective service delivery.",
    "communication": {
      "futureNoticeDate": "2026-09-07T23:59:59+01:00"
    },
    "specialRegime": [
      "utilities"
    ],
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services"
  },
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PNTB-4383-VMJH",
      "name": "Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive T/A Nexus",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKC22",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "Newcastle upon Tyne",
        "postalCode": "NE4 5DE",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "The Spark, Newcastle Helix, St James Boulevard"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicUndertaking",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public undertaking"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PNTB-4383-VMJH",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "tenders@nexus.org.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "080680-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/080680-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-08-25T10:03:20+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2026-08-28T23:59:59+01:00",
        "description": "Nexus Bus Services Framework: Pre-Market Engagement (PME)\nNexus is undertaking pre-market engagement with bus operators and other interested suppliers to inform the development of a new Bus Services Framework, with an anticipated value of up to £200 million over five years. The framework is intended to support the procurement of secured local bus services, schools and works transport, taxibus services, demand responsive transport, replacement services, special events services and emergency bus provision.\nThe purpose of this engagement is to seek supplier feedback on the proposed framework structure, lotting model, contract lengths, framework entry requirements, call-off processes, evaluation methodology, social value requirements, contract management arrangements and vehicle specification standards. Feedback received will be used to help refine the final procurement strategy and procurement documents.\nEngagement Event - Supplier PME Session\nDate: 24 August 2026\nLocation: Online supplier engagement session\nAttendees: Bus operators and other relevant transport service providers\nScope of Engagement:\nNexus is seeking feedback on:\nThe overall attractiveness and deliverability of the proposed framework model.\nThe proposed eight-lot structure covering a range of bus and transport services.\nAppropriate contract lengths and extension arrangements.\nFramework qualification requirements and proportionality of selection criteria.\nMini-competition and direct award arrangements.\nQuality, price and social value evaluation methodologies.\nKey performance indicators, contract remedies and supplier relationship management.\nSME accessibility and barriers to participation.\nFuture vehicle requirements, including potential adoption of Euro 6 minimum standards and enhanced accessibility requirements.\nProcurement Timetable (Indicative)\nSubject to consideration of market feedback, Nexus currently anticipates:\nRelease of PSQ and ITT documents: 1 to 11 September 2026\nSupplier clarification period: September 2026\nTender return deadline: Expected between 9 and 16 October 2026\nFramework evaluation and appointments: October to November 2026\nExpected Market Feedback\nNexus expects market feedback to focus on:\nWhether the proposed framework structure is commercially attractive and workable.\nAppropriate framework and call-off contract durations to support investment and value for money.\nSuitability of the proposed lotting arrangements.\nMeasures to support SME participation.\nFramework operating model, including mini-competition and emergency call-off mechanisms.\nProportionate evaluation criteria and social value requirements.\nMobilisation risks, operational challenges and contract management approaches.\nVehicle and accessibility standards for future service delivery.\nFeedback and Clarification Questions:\nFollowing the supplier engagement session, suppliers are invited to complete and return the market engagement questionnaire, providing comments and recommendations on the proposed framework approach. Clarification questions should be submitted in writing and responses may be shared with all interested parties where appropriate to ensure transparency and equal treatment.\nParticipation in this engagement exercise does not form part of any formal procurement process and will not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any subsequent procurement. Feedback received will be considered by Nexus in finalising the procurement documentation before issuing the formal tender opportunity."
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}

{
  "id": "080557-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planning"
  ],
  "date": "2026-08-24T16:56:55+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06eafa",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PNTB-4383-VMJH",
    "name": "Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive T/A Nexus"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06eafa",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planning",
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2029-11-01T23:59:59Z",
          "startDate": "2026-11-01T00:00:00Z",
          "maxExtentDate": "2031-11-01T23:59:59Z"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UKC",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "34120000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Motor vehicles for the transport of 10 or more persons"
          },
          {
            "id": "60000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Transport services (excl. Waste transport)"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Bus Services Framework",
    "value": {
      "amount": 20000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 24000000
    },
    "status": "planning",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "techniques": {
      "hasFrameworkAgreement": true
    },
    "description": "The proposed Bus Services Framework is being established to support the future procurement of a wide range of bus and passenger transport services. These include secured local bus services, schools and works transport, group travel, seasonal services, Metro replacement services, and other operational or emergency transport requirements. The framework will operate as a closed framework agreement for an initial three-year period, with the option to extend for up to 24 months. The total estimated framework value is up to £200 million across the potential five-year term.\nNexus currently spends around £20 million each year on bus service contracts procured through a number of separate tendering exercises. The new framework aims to provide a more efficient and flexible procurement route, reducing the need for repeated procurements while maintaining competition and supporting effective service delivery.",
    "communication": {
      "futureNoticeDate": "2026-09-07T23:59:59+01:00"
    },
    "specialRegime": [
      "utilities"
    ],
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services"
  },
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PNTB-4383-VMJH",
      "name": "Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive T/A Nexus",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKC22",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "Newcastle upon Tyne",
        "postalCode": "NE4 5DE",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "The Spark, Newcastle Helix, St James Boulevard"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicUndertaking",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public undertaking"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PNTB-4383-VMJH",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "tenders@nexus.org.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "080557-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/080557-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-08-24T16:56:55+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2026-08-28T23:59:59+01:00",
        "description": "Nexus Bus Services Framework: Pre-Market Engagement (PME)\nNexus is undertaking pre-market engagement with bus operators and other interested suppliers to inform the development of a new Bus Services Framework, with an anticipated value of up to £200 million over five years. The framework is intended to support the procurement of secured local bus services, schools and works transport, taxibus services, demand responsive transport, replacement services, special events services and emergency bus provision.\nThe purpose of this engagement is to seek supplier feedback on the proposed framework structure, lotting model, contract lengths, framework entry requirements, call-off processes, evaluation methodology, social value requirements, contract management arrangements and vehicle specification standards. Feedback received will be used to help refine the final procurement strategy and procurement documents.\nEngagement Event - Supplier PME Session\nDate: 24 August 2026\nLocation: Online supplier engagement session\nAttendees: Bus operators and other relevant transport service providers\nScope of Engagement:\nNexus is seeking feedback on:\nThe overall attractiveness and deliverability of the proposed framework model.\nThe proposed eight-lot structure covering a range of bus and transport services.\nAppropriate contract lengths and extension arrangements.\nFramework qualification requirements and proportionality of selection criteria.\nMini-competition and direct award arrangements.\nQuality, price and social value evaluation methodologies.\nKey performance indicators, contract remedies and supplier relationship management.\nSME accessibility and barriers to participation.\nFuture vehicle requirements, including potential adoption of Euro 6 minimum standards and enhanced accessibility requirements.\nProcurement Timetable (Indicative)\nSubject to consideration of market feedback, Nexus currently anticipates:\nRelease of PSQ and ITT documents: 1 to 11 September 2026\nSupplier clarification period: September 2026\nTender return deadline: Expected between 9 and 16 October 2026\nFramework evaluation and appointments: October to November 2026\nExpected Market Feedback\nNexus expects market feedback to focus on:\nWhether the proposed framework structure is commercially attractive and workable.\nAppropriate framework and call-off contract durations to support investment and value for money.\nSuitability of the proposed lotting arrangements.\nMeasures to support SME participation.\nFramework operating model, including mini-competition and emergency call-off mechanisms.\nProportionate evaluation criteria and social value requirements.\nMobilisation risks, operational challenges and contract management approaches.\nVehicle and accessibility standards for future service delivery.\nFeedback and Clarification Questions:\nFollowing the supplier engagement session, suppliers are invited to complete and return the market engagement questionnaire, providing comments and recommendations on the proposed framework approach. Clarification questions should be submitted in writing and responses may be shared with all interested parties where appropriate to ensure transparency and equal treatment.\nParticipation in this engagement exercise does not form part of any formal procurement process and will not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any subsequent procurement. Feedback received will be considered by Nexus in finalising the procurement documentation before issuing the formal tender opportunity."
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}