Framework Agreement for the Hire of Vehicles and Plant Machinery with an Operator

South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) is conducting a Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) exercise in relation to its procurement of a multi-supplier closed framework for the Hire of Vehicles and Plant Machinery with a Driver or Operator to assist it in developing its requirements and approach. This engagement is conducted in accordance with Section 16 of the Procurement Act 2023, which permits contracting authorities to engage with the market prior to commencing a procurement procedure. The purpose of this PME is to: - Understand market capacity and interest. - Check and develop procurement requirements. - Help design procedures, participation conditions and award criteria. - Identify any potential barriers to participation. Participation in this PME is voluntary, but SGC encourages any organisation or group of organisations interested in bidding for this contract to respond to the questions contained within it’s ‘Preliminary Market Engagement Questionnaire’, including SMEs. Your feedback is valuable in helping us shape a fair, transparent and effective procurement process. SGC are still finalising their approach and documentation. The responses to its PME Questionnaire will be fed into this process and the finished tender documents are anticipated to be issued shortly after the engagement deadline. Please email place.procurement@southglos.gov.uk to request the PME Questionnaire. Responses should be returned to place.procurement@southglos.gov.uk before the response deadline of 14:00 on 27th August 2026.