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Published 23 Mar 2026, 14:18 GMT

Official UK procurement notice

Supported Bus Services · UK public procurement notice

Official notice

Authority: Cumberland Council (Local council)

15 lotsServicesOpen procedureAbove thresholdSME suitableVCSE suitable
Sectors: Transport & Passenger Services (60) Delivery: North West (UKD1)
Final published estimate£2,709,796initial estimate £7,709,796 · 2 value updates
Submissions closed 28 Aug 2026awarded 1 Oct 2026
Awarded to STAGECOACH (NORTH WEST) LIMITED12 awards
Contract term Varies by lotfirst lot 1 yr from 4 Jan 2027 · see each lot

What is being bought15 lots · detail below

Published requirement description

Cumberland Council is awarding contracts for the operation of Supported Bus Services.

These services form a critical element of Cumberland's transport network, ensuring continued provision of bus services where the commercial operation is not viable and supporting access for people to employment, education, healthcare and essential services across both urban and rural communities.

Cumberland Council has a proactive role in shaping the local bus network, supported by government investment through Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding and also the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG) funding.

The council tendered for 15 bus routes. The Invitation to Tender (ITT) advised that due to funding constraints, not all services could be supported. As also advised in the ITT, following evaluation of tenders against the published award criteria, services were prioritised based on an assessment of tendered costs and current passenger usage data to calculate an estimated subsidy cost per passenger journey. Routes providing the best value for money were prioritised for award within the available budget.

Following this, contracts are to be awarded to one provider for 11 routes, for a term of 12 months (with no extension periods available). Contracts will not be awarded for 4 routes.

The overall value of the 11 contracts is £2,531,347 excluding VAT.

CPV: Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Lots and requirements (15)Procurement structure

15 lots · all with a published value (£2,709,796 together) · same evaluation weights on every lot
Lot #1Service Number 1 and 1 AAwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished value£180,653

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 4 Jan 2027 – 3 Jan 2028 (1 yr) · up to 3 Jan 2030 with extensionsValue: £180,653 exc. VAT · £180,653 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The contract is anticipated to commence on 02nd November 2026. Specific routes/lots have later start dates depending upon the previous contract finish dates, and will continue for a period of one year, unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract. There is the potential for two contract extensions of one year each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Lot #2Service Number DR1AwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished value£180,653

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 4 Jan 2027 – 3 Jan 2028 (1 yr) · up to 3 Jan 2030 with extensionsValue: £180,653 exc. VAT · £180,653 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The contract is anticipated to commence on 02nd November 2026. Specific routes/lots have later start dates depending upon the previous contract finish dates, and will continue for a period of one year, unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract. There is the potential for two contract extensions of one year each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Lot #3Service Number HW1AwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished value£180,653

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 4 Jan 2027 – 3 Jan 2028 (1 yr) · up to 3 Jan 2030 with extensionsValue: £180,653 exc. VAT · £180,653 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The contract is anticipated to commence on 02nd November 2026. Specific routes/lots have later start dates depending upon the previous contract finish dates, and will continue for a period of one year, unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract. There is the potential for two contract extensions of one year each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Lot #4Service Number M1AwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished value£180,653

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 2 Nov 2026 – 1 Nov 2027 (1 yr) · up to 1 Nov 2029 with extensionsValue: £180,653 exc. VAT · £180,653 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The contract is anticipated to commence on 02nd November 2026. Specific routes/lots have later start dates depending upon the previous contract finish dates, and will continue for a period of one year, unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract. There is the potential for two contract extensions of one year each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Lot #5Service Number MD1AwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished value£180,653

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 2 Nov 2026 – 1 Nov 2027 (1 yr) · up to 1 Nov 2029 with extensionsValue: £180,653 exc. VAT · £180,653 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The contract is anticipated to commence on 02nd November 2026. Specific routes/lots have later start dates depending upon the previous contract finish dates, and will continue for a period of one year, unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract. There is the potential for two contract extensions of one year each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Lot #6Service Number 7AwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished value£180,653

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 2 Nov 2026 – 1 Nov 2027 (1 yr) · up to 1 Nov 2029 with extensionsValue: £180,653 exc. VAT · £180,653 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The contract is anticipated to commence on 02nd November 2026. Specific routes/lots have later start dates depending upon the previous contract finish dates, and will continue for a period of one year, unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract. There is the potential for two contract extensions of one year each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Lot #7Service Number X7AwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished value£180,653

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 30 Dec 2026 – 29 Dec 2027 (1 yr) · up to 29 Dec 2029 with extensionsValue: £180,653 exc. VAT · £180,653 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The contract is anticipated to commence on 02nd November 2026. Specific routes/lots have later start dates depending upon the previous contract finish dates, and will continue for a period of one year, unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract. There is the potential for two contract extensions of one year each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Lot #8Service Number 22 & 22AAwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished value£180,653

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 4 Jan 2027 – 3 Jan 2028 (1 yr) · up to 3 Jan 2030 with extensionsValue: £180,653 exc. VAT · £180,653 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The contract is anticipated to commence on 02nd November 2026. Specific routes/lots have later start dates depending upon the previous contract finish dates, and will continue for a period of one year, unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract. There is the potential for two contract extensions of one year each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Lot #9Service Number 32AwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished value£180,653

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 30 Nov 2026 – 29 Nov 2027 (1 yr) · up to 29 Nov 2029 with extensionsValue: £180,653 exc. VAT · £180,653 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The contract is anticipated to commence on 02nd November 2026. Specific routes/lots have later start dates depending upon the previous contract finish dates, and will continue for a period of one year, unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract. There is the potential for two contract extensions of one year each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Lot #10Service Number 60AwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished value£180,653

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 2 Nov 2026 – 1 Nov 2027 (1 yr) · up to 1 Nov 2029 with extensionsValue: £180,653 exc. VAT · £180,653 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The contract is anticipated to commence on 02nd November 2026. Specific routes/lots have later start dates depending upon the previous contract finish dates, and will continue for a period of one year, unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract. There is the potential for two contract extensions of one year each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Lot #11Service Number 68AwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished value£180,653

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 2 Nov 2026 – 1 Nov 2027 (1 yr) · up to 1 Nov 2029 with extensionsValue: £180,653 exc. VAT · £180,653 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The contract is anticipated to commence on 02nd November 2026. Specific routes/lots have later start dates depending upon the previous contract finish dates, and will continue for a period of one year, unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract. There is the potential for two contract extensions of one year each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Lot #12Service Number 71AwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished value£180,653

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 4 Jan 2027 – 3 Jan 2028 (1 yr) · up to 3 Jan 2030 with extensionsValue: £180,653 exc. VAT · £180,653 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The contract is anticipated to commence on 02nd November 2026. Specific routes/lots have later start dates depending upon the previous contract finish dates, and will continue for a period of one year, unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract. There is the potential for two contract extensions of one year each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Lot #13Service Number 93SAwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished value£180,653

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 6 Dec 2026 – 5 Dec 2027 (1 yr) · up to 5 Dec 2029 with extensionsValue: £180,653 exc. VAT · £180,653 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The contract is anticipated to commence on 02nd November 2026. Specific routes/lots have later start dates depending upon the previous contract finish dates, and will continue for a period of one year, unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract. There is the potential for two contract extensions of one year each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Lot #14Service Number C123AwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished value£180,653

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 2 Nov 2026 – 1 Nov 2027 (1 yr) · up to 1 Nov 2029 with extensionsValue: £180,653 exc. VAT · £180,653 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The contract is anticipated to commence on 02nd November 2026. Specific routes/lots have later start dates depending upon the previous contract finish dates, and will continue for a period of one year, unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract. There is the potential for two contract extensions of one year each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Lot #15Service Number 600AwardedRenewal 1 yrSMEVCSEPublished value£180,653

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 4 Jan 2027 – 3 Jan 2028 (1 yr) · up to 3 Jan 2030 with extensionsValue: £180,653 exc. VAT · £180,653 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The contract is anticipated to commence on 02nd November 2026. Specific routes/lots have later start dates depending upon the previous contract finish dates, and will continue for a period of one year, unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract. There is the potential for two contract extensions of one year each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

What it takes to win
i

How this buyer will score bids.

The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).

Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add more
How bids were scored · same split on all 15 lots
Quality: 30%Price: 60%Social value: 10%
Published award criteria (3)
  • Price: Bidders must submit a completed Capacity Form to confirm the operator's level of capacity to fulfil the requirements of the specification. Prioritisation will be based on an assessment of the tendered cost of each currently operated bus service against average passenger usage, using usage data from existing contracted services from November 2025, to calculate an average subsidy cost per passenger trip. Services that represent the best value for money will be prioritised for contract award.
  • Quality: Compliance, Mobilisation and Service Readiness and Timetables Alternative timetables may provide operators with greater flexibility in current or future vehicle and driver scheduling while maintaining a comparable service frequency and operating span. They may also identify opportunities to enhance the original timetable, deliver improved value for money, or extend service coverage to areas that are not currently served.
  • Social Value: Delivery of social value benefiting local communities in Cumberland. Social Value KPIs will be discussed and agreed with the successful Tenderer upon award based upon the Tender response provided to the social value question.
What this means for your bid
  • Price carries 60 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 6 points. This one is won on the number: sharpen the price before polishing the prose.

Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record
Procedure method
Open procedure
Legal basis
UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
Procurement category
Services
Notice status
Awarded
Procurement threshold
Above threshold (FTS publication)
Regulatory regime
Standard
Commercial structure
Stand-alone contract (no framework)
Competition type
Competitive procedure
GPA / WTO covered
Yes (GPA)
Recurring procurement
Unspecified in notice
First published
23 Mar 2026, 14:18 GMT
Last source update
2 Oct 2026, 10:46 BST
Award evaluation window
Submission end – 11 Sept 2026
Authority reference
DN823042
FTS notice number
2026/S 000-072576
Latest notice
Contract award notice (UK6)
Classification (CPV)
Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Delivery area
North West (UKD1)
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-067184 Find a Tender

How it was run

Official notice
Run through: ProContract (Due North) · Who buys & how to bid on ProContract
Supplier login requiredElectronic submission allowedLanguage: EN
Access & registration note: Free · short registration with manual review; public opportunity list
Submission deadline
28 Aug 2026, 10:00 BST
Clarification deadline
14 Aug 2026, 10:00 BST
Submission channel
Official e-sourcing portal
Electronic submission
Allowed
Accepted languages
en
Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

For further details and to access the tender documents use the council's online procurement portal, The Chest www.the-chest.org.uk ↗

The project number is DN823042

You must be registered on The Chest to be able to view the opportunity and submit a tender. Registration is simple and free on the above link.

Ensure you read and understand the Invitation to Tender (ITT) and all of its appendices before completing the tender documents.

Any clarification questions must be sent to the council via messaging on The Chest by the deadline stated in the ITT.

All bids must be received electronically via The Chest by the deadline stated in the ITT.

Timeline

23 Mar 2026 → 4 Jan 2027 · 11 dates
  1. Planning notice published213 days ago
    23 Mar 2026, 14:18 GMT
  2. Market engagement149 days ago
    26 May 2026, 23:59 BST

    The session will hold on the 26th of May 2026 from 19:00 - 20:00 via Microsoft Teams. There will be an opportunity for bus operators to ask questions about the procurement process. The session will not be discussing the services which will be tendered.

    The date and time for this is detailed above, should you wish to reserve a space please send an email to [email protected] detailing the contact email addresses for everyone who would like to join us.

    A Microsoft Teams invite will be sent out to all on Friday 22nd May 2026.

  3. Next notice expected146 days ago
    29 May 2026, 23:59 BST
  4. Tender notice published84 days ago
    31 Jul 2026, 10:42 BST
  5. Clarification questions by70 days ago
    14 Aug 2026, 10:00 BST
  6. Submission deadline56 days ago
    28 Aug 2026, 10:00 BST
  7. Award decision expected by41 days ago
    11 Sept 2026, 23:59 BST
  8. Assessment summaries sent21 days ago
    2 Oct 2026, 00:00 BST
  9. Latest notice published21 days ago
    2 Oct 2026, 10:46 BST
  10. Standstill ends9 days ago
    13 Oct 2026, 23:59 BST
  11. Today
    22 Oct 2026
  12. Contract startsin 73 days
    4 Jan 2027

Notice history

14 events · 7 releases on Find a Tender · since 23 Mar 2026
  1. Pipeline notice published
    23 Mar 2026, 14:18 GMT
    UK1
  2. Preliminary market engagement notice published
    13 May 2026, 15:22 BST
    UK2
  3. Preliminary market engagement notice published
    13 May 2026, 15:45 BST
    UK2
  4. Preliminary market engagement notice published
    20 May 2026, 16:06 BST
    UK2
  5. Tender notice published
    31 Jul 2026, 10:42 BST
    UK4
  6. Published value updated to £7,709,796
    31 Jul 2026, 10:42 BST
    was £7,500,000
  7. Status changed to active
    31 Jul 2026, 10:42 BST
  8. Procurement method changed
    31 Jul 2026, 10:42 BST
  9. Deadline published: 28 Aug 2026, 10:00 BST
    31 Jul 2026, 10:42 BST
  10. Tender notice published
    3 Aug 2026, 12:59 BST
    UK4
  11. Published value updated to £2,709,796
    3 Aug 2026, 12:59 BST
    was £7,709,796
  12. Contract award notice published
    2 Oct 2026, 10:46 BST
    UK6
  13. Status changed to complete
    2 Oct 2026, 10:46 BST
  14. Contract signature expected
    30 Oct 2026, 23:59 GMT
    scheduled
Published amendments (3)

Time and date for the session included.

time of event amended.

Overall contract value was incorrectly stated on the original notice Estimated lot values have been adjusted as appropriate in regard to the overall contract value

Routine re-releases (7)
  • 2026-05: 3 releases · 13 May 2026, 20 May 2026
  • 2026-03: 1 release · 23 Mar 2026

Commercial outcome & contract awards

Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast
Awards 12
Awarded value £2,531,34711 awards exc. VAT
Bids received 197 from SMEs
Awarded toValueDateStatus
Lot 1 · Service Number 1 and 1 A1 award
STAGECOACH (NORTH WEST) LIMITED4 Jan 2027 – 3 Jan 2028£181,0001 Oct 2026standstill to 13 Oct 2026Standstill
Lot 3 · Service Number HW11 award
STAGECOACH (NORTH WEST) LIMITED4 Jan 2027 – 3 Jan 2028£211,0001 Oct 2026standstill to 13 Oct 2026Standstill
Lot 4 · Service Number M11 award
STAGECOACH (NORTH WEST) LIMITED2 Nov 2026 – 1 Nov 2027£173,0001 Oct 2026Awarded
Lot 6 · Service Number 71 award
STAGECOACH (NORTH WEST) LIMITED2 Nov 2026 – 1 Nov 2027£173,0001 Oct 2026Awarded
Lot 7 · Service Number X71 award
STAGECOACH (NORTH WEST) LIMITED30 Dec 2026 – 29 Dec 2027£173,0001 Oct 2026Awarded
Lot 8 · Service Number 22 & 22A1 award
STAGECOACH (NORTH WEST) LIMITED4 Jan 2027 – 3 Jan 2028£214,5001 Oct 2026standstill to 13 Oct 2026Standstill
Lot 9 · Service Number 321 award
STAGECOACH (NORTH WEST) LIMITED30 Nov 2026 – 29 Nov 2027£152,0001 Oct 2026Awarded
Lot 10 · Service Number 601 award
STAGECOACH (NORTH WEST) LIMITED2 Nov 2026 – 1 Nov 2027£157,5001 Oct 2026Awarded
Lot 11 · Service Number 681 award
STAGECOACH (NORTH WEST) LIMITED2 Nov 2026 – 1 Nov 2027£192,0001 Oct 2026standstill to 13 Oct 2026Standstill
Lot 14 · Service Number C1231 award
STAGECOACH (NORTH WEST) LIMITED2 Nov 2026 – 1 Nov 2027£180,0001 Oct 2026standstill to 13 Oct 2026Standstill
Lot 15 · Service Number 6001 award
STAGECOACH (NORTH WEST) LIMITED4 Jan 2027 – 3 Jan 2028£724,3471 Oct 2026standstill to 13 Oct 2026Standstill
Across several lots1 award
supplier not published—1 Oct 2026Awarded

Bid statistics published by the authority

LotBidsSMEVCSEValid bid range
1 · Service Number 1 and 1 A1final-stage tenders00—
3 · Service Number HW13final-stage tenders10—
4 · Service Number M12final-stage tenders10—
6 · Service Number 72final-stage tenders10—
7 · Service Number X71final-stage tenders00—
8 · Service Number 22 & 22A1final-stage tenders00—
9 · Service Number 322final-stage tenders10—
10 · Service Number 602final-stage tenders10—
11 · Service Number 682final-stage tenders10—
14 · Service Number C1232final-stage tenders10—
15 · Service Number 6001final-stage tenders00—

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

Cumberland Council

Contracting authorityPublic authority - sub-central government GB-PPON: PJGX-9191-DYLV Cumbria House, 107-117 Botchergate, Carlisle, North West, CA1 1RDContact email

Bidders & participating suppliers

1 commercial party on the notice
  • STAGECOACH (NORTH WEST) LIMITEDAwarded supplierGB-COH: 00123665GB-PPON: PZJT-7876-CQMQ One Stockport Exchange, Stockport, North West, SK1 3SWContact email

Official documents & specifications (18)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Notices published for this procedure

  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
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