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Published 23 May 2025, 11:35 BST

Official UK procurement notice

Transport for Pinefield School

Official notice

Authority: Sefton Council (Local council)

Open framework scheme4 lotsServicesOpen procedureAbove thresholdSME suitable
Sectors: Transport & Passenger Services (60) Delivery: North West (UKD7)
Framework ceiling (notional)£144,000,000total for 4 lots · framework ceiling, not attributable revenue · 1 value update
Submissions closed 30 Mar 2026awarded 1 Jul 2026
Awarded to Apex Management Solutions Limited +19 more5 awards
Framework period 8 moends 31 Dec 2026 · up to 31 Dec 2027 with extensions · starts 1 May 2026

What is being bought4 lots · detail below

Published requirement description

This is a call off from Lot 1 (up to 5 seats) of Sefton's Provision of Passenger Transport - Open Framework.

Sefton's Complementary Education Service offers schools high quality, appropriate and personalised teaching and learning opportunities to enable young people with identified health (SEMH) needs to re engage and participate as learners and in turn successfully reintegrate or transition into their respective schools or educational settings as health needs improve.

Our pupils have complex mental health needs and significant number of our pupils have social communication difficulties.

The requirement is for these pupils to be transported via taxi to and from Pinefield Centre in Formby - approximately 60 pupils across the week - Monday to Friday 8.50-3.30pm.

This contract is being awarded in accordance with a Sefton's Provision of Passenger Transport - Open Framework and a competitive selection process for frameworks under section 46 of the PA 2023 has been used.

Awarded value is an estimate - the actual value of the contract may be higher or lower and this will be determined by the number of vehicles and routes required.

  • The authority expects to re-tender this requirement around 1 Oct 2026, 23:59 BST.

CPV: Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

How this framework works

From the published notice
Type
Open framework · open framework scheme (admission reopens)
Call-offs
call-offs may be awarded directly or by further competition
Bids received
20 bids on the busiest of 4 lots · 25 suppliers appointed
Framework period
8 mo · up to 1 yr 8 mo from 1 May 2026
Scheme runs until
31 Dec 2033
Buyer regions
UKD7
Who may buy through it

Liverpool City Council

Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council

St Helens Borough Council

Wirral Council

Halton Borough Council

Merseytravel

Published description of the framework

The Sefton Passenger Transport Open Framework scheme will be active for up to 8 years. This Framework 2 results from the first re-opening of the Sefton Provision of Passenger Transport Open Framework Scheme.

There will be no maximum limit on the number of suppliers that will be allowed onto the Open Framework Agreement. All bidders that pass the selection criteria sections will obtain a place on the Open Framework and will be ranked in accordance with each

bidder's price score.

The anticipated dates for the further re-opening of the Framework are as follows:

October 2026

October 2027

October 2028

October 2029

October 2030

Council may re-open the Framework at its sole discretion on additional occasions over the period of it's lifespan, based on operational needs and other factors including, but not limited to;.

a) Market changes, such as a reduction in the existing number of Providers on the Open Framework or the number of existing Providers that are suspended from the Open Framework.

b) The identified need to secure additional capacity to cater for demand.

c) The identified need to conduct specific procurement activities to address issues such as Provider failure, Call-Off contract terminations, and/or Contractor withdrawal from Sefton.

On re-opening of the Framework the Council may award the framework to an existing supplier by reference to-

(a) the fact that the supplier has already been awarded a framework under the scheme,

(b) a tender relating to an earlier award under the scheme, or

(c) a tender relating to the current award.

The Council reserves the right to use the Sefton Passenger Transport Open Framework to make contract awards to Providers either with or without conducting further/mini-competitions.

Lots and requirements (4)Procurement structure

4 lots · all with a published value · same evaluation weights on every lot
Lot #1Vehicles with up to 5 passenger seatsAwardedRenewal 8 moSMEPublished value£107,136,000

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 1 May 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 (8 mo) · up to 31 Dec 2027 with extensionsValue: £107,136,000 exc. VAT · £107,136,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: The extension to Framework 2 will be implemented if there is a postponement in the opening of Framework 3 in the Open Framework Scheme
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Lot #2Vehicles with 6 to 8 passenger seats (must be a minibus)AwardedRenewal 8 moSMEPublished value£29,376,000

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 1 May 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 (8 mo) · up to 31 Dec 2027 with extensionsValue: £29,376,000 exc. VAT · £29,376,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: The extension to Framework 2 will be implemented if there is a postponement in the opening of Framework 3 in the Open Framework Scheme
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Lot #3Vehicles with 9 to 16 passenger seatsAwardedRenewal 8 moSMEPublished value£34,560,000

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 1 May 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 (8 mo) · up to 31 Dec 2027 with extensionsValue: £34,560,000 exc. VAT · £34,560,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: The extension to Framework 2 will be implemented if there is a postponement in the opening of Framework 3 in the Open Framework Scheme
60000000 Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Lot #4Vehicles with 17+ passenger seatsAwardedRenewal 8 moSMEPublished value£1,728,000

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 1 May 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 (8 mo) · up to 31 Dec 2027 with extensionsValue: £1,728,000 exc. VAT · £1,728,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: North WestEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: The extension to Framework 2 will be implemented if there is a postponement in the opening of Framework 3 in the Open Framework Scheme
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 4 lots
Price: 100%
Published award criteria (1)
  • Price
What this means for your bid
  • Price carries 100 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 10 points. This one is won on the number: sharpen the price before polishing the prose.
  • “Transport for Pinefield School” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, not a single contract: call-offs may be direct or by further competition.

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
Open framework scheme
Who may use this agreement
Liverpool City Council Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council St Helens Borough Council Wirral Council Halton Borough Council Merseytravel · open scheme: new suppliers can join during the term
Competition type
Competitive procedure
GPA / WTO covered
Yes (GPA)
Recurring procurement
Yes · next expected 1 Oct 2026
First published
23 May 2025, 11:35 BST
Last source update
22 Jul 2026, 11:15 BST
Award evaluation window
Submission end – 13 Apr 2026
Authority reference
DN811017
FTS notice number
2026/S 000-019393
Latest notice
Contract award notice (UK6)
Classification (CPV)
Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Delivery area
North West (UKD7)
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-052194 Find a Tender
Related procedures1
Review and risk notes
Risks

Identified risks which could require changes to the agreement to accommodate are as follows:

  1. Possible changes to legislation or policy which affect eligibility for receipt of travel support.
  2. Fluctuations in demand for the service resulting from demographic changes and/or the development of alternative methods of achieving the required outcomes for families

receiving the Services.

  1. Inflationary pressures and the impact of changes to minimum / living wage.
  2. Collaboration between neighbouring local authorities who may wish to source services via the Sefton Open Framework or make their sourcing arrangements available.
  3. The numbers of parents and carers opting for receipt of Personal Travel Budgets as opposed to receiving Services commissioned by the Council.
  4. Changes to official guidance, recognised best practice or unforeseen incidents during the delivery of the Services resulting in changes to the Service Specification, policies, procedures and documentation.

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
Appointment period ends
30 Mar 2026, 12:00 BST
Clarification deadline
23 Mar 2026, 12:00 GMT
Submission channel
Official e-sourcing portal
Electronic submission
Allowed
Accepted languages
en
Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

procontract.due-north.com/RFx/RFxSummary ↗

Timeline

23 May 2025 → 22 Jul 2026 · 11 dates
  1. Planning notice published
    23 May 2025, 11:35 BST
  2. Next notice expected
    15 Sept 2025, 23:59 BST
  3. Market engagement260 days ago
    3 Feb 2026, 23:59 GMT

    Information Session conducted in person on 3rd Feb 2026 from 12pm - 1.30pm

    Venue - The Lake House - Cambridge Road - Waterloo - L22 1RR

    To apply email: [email protected] or Tel 0151 934 3452

    For further information contact Sefton Council via the Procontract Portal using the link below:

    procontract.due-north.com/ProjectManagement/Ed… ↗

  4. Tender notice published232 days ago
    4 Mar 2026, 11:49 GMT
  5. Clarification questions by213 days ago
    23 Mar 2026, 12:00 GMT
  6. Admission / appointment period ends206 days ago · period end, not a bid countdown
    30 Mar 2026, 12:00 BST
  7. Award decision expected by191 days ago
    13 Apr 2026, 23:59 BST
  8. Contract starts174 days ago
    1 May 2026, 00:00 BST
  9. Standstill ends161 days ago
    13 May 2026, 23:59 BST
  10. Assessment summaries sent113 days ago
    1 Jul 2026, 00:00 BST
  11. Latest notice published92 days ago
    22 Jul 2026, 11:15 BST

Notice history

12 events · 5 releases on Find a Tender · since 23 May 2025
  1. Pipeline notice published
    23 May 2025, 11:35 BST
    UK1
  2. Preliminary market engagement notice published
    7 Jan 2026, 16:37 GMT
    UK2
  3. Tender notice published
    4 Mar 2026, 11:49 GMT
    UK4
  4. Published value updated
    4 Mar 2026, 11:49 GMT
  5. Status changed to active
    4 Mar 2026, 11:49 GMT
  6. Procurement method changed
    4 Mar 2026, 11:49 GMT
  7. Deadline published: 30 Mar 2026, 12:00 BST
    4 Mar 2026, 11:49 GMT
  8. Contract award notice published
    1 May 2026, 15:22 BST
    UK6
  9. Status changed to complete
    1 May 2026, 15:22 BST
  10. Contract signature expected
    15 May 2026, 23:59 BST
    scheduled
  11. Contract award notice published
    22 Jul 2026, 11:15 BST
    UK6
  12. Contract signature expected
    1 Aug 2026, 23:59 BST
    scheduled
Routine re-releases (5)
  • 2026-01: 1 release · 7 Jan 2026
  • 2025-05: 1 release · 23 May 2025

Commercial outcome & contract awards

Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast
Suppliers appointed 255 awards · see the list ↓
Bids received 2018 from SMEs · busiest of 4 lots
Named bidders 27published on the award notice
Awarded toValueDateStatus
Lot 1 · Vehicles with up to 5 passenger seats2 awards
Apex Management Solutions LimitedSME1 Sept 2026 – 31 Aug 2027 · up to 31 Aug 2029Extensions: Two one-year optional extensions subject to satisfactory performance£285,000 inc. VAT1 Jul 2026Awarded
24 X 7 LTD., ENA TRAVELS & HIRE LTD, FORMBY VILLAGE RADIO CARSSME, NORTHWEST TRAVELS LTD, REIGN MANAGEMENT SERVICES LTD, SEAFORTH RADIO CARSSME +12 more18 May 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 · up to 31 Dec 2027Extensions: The extension to Framework 2 will be implemented if there is a postponement in the opening of Framework 3 in the Open Framework Scheme£107,136,000 inc. VAT30 Apr 2026standstill to 13 May 2026Standstill
Lot 2 · Vehicles with 6 to 8 passenger seats (must be a minibus)1 award
24 X 7 LTD., ENA TRAVELS & HIRE LTD, HATS Group Ltd, NORTHWEST TRAVELS LTD, REIGN MANAGEMENT SERVICES LTD, RTTS TRAVEL LTD +14 moreVehicles with 6 to 8 passenger seats18 May 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 · up to 31 Dec 2027Extensions: The extension to Framework 2 will be implemented if there is a postponement in the opening of Framework 3 in the Open Framework Scheme£29,376,000 inc. VAT30 Apr 2026standstill to 13 May 2026Standstill
Lot 3 · Vehicles with 9 to 16 passenger seats1 award
HARTLEY TRAVELSME, HATS Group Ltd, PRESIDENTIAL TRAVELSME, RADCLIFFE TAXISSME, RTTS TRAVEL LTD, SPENCER TRAVELSME +6 more18 May 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 · up to 31 Dec 2027Extensions: The extension to Framework 2 will be implemented if there is a postponement in the opening of Framework 3 in the Open Framework Scheme£34,560,000 inc. VAT30 Apr 2026standstill to 13 May 2026Standstill
Lot 4 · Vehicles with 17+ passenger seats1 award
Green Destinations Ltd, HARTLEY TRAVELSME, PRESIDENTIAL TRAVELSME, SLine Travel Limited, SPENCER TRAVELSME, TOWER TRANSIT OPERATIONS LTD +1 more18 May 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 · up to 31 Dec 2027Extensions: The extension to Framework 2 will be implemented if there is a postponement in the opening of Framework 3 in the Open Framework Scheme£1,728,000 inc. VAT30 Apr 2026standstill to 13 May 2026Standstill

Bid statistics published by the authority

LotBidsSMEVCSEValid bid range
1 · Vehicles with up to 5 passenger seats20final-stage tenders · 7 at stage one180—
2 · Vehicles with 6 to 8 passenger seats (must be a minibus)20final-stage tenders170—
3 · Vehicles with 9 to 16 passenger seats13final-stage tenders120—
4 · Vehicles with 17+ passenger seats7final-stage tenders60—

Who bid

Bidders as named on the Procurement Act 2023 award notice. “Won” means the bidder holds an award on this notice.

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council

Contracting authorityPublic authority - sub-central government GB-PPON: PTHP-5656-DLCN Bootle Town Hall, Bootle, North West, L20 7AEContact email

Framework contractors & participating bidders

28 commercial parties on the notice · 25 awarded
  • 24 X 7 LTD.Framework contractorGB-COH: 04142000GB-PPON: PGTV-4978-TPPW Little Easton Manor, Dunmow, East of England, CM6 2JNContact email
  • APEX MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTDFramework contractorGB-COH: 07257399GB-PPON: PLQC-9682-ZHPP The Bridgewater Complex, 36 Canal Street, Bootle, North West, L20 8AHContact email
  • COMFY CONNECT LTDFramework contractorGB-COH: 13756932GB-PPON: PVPC-8421-TQJH Unit 1 iLux Parade, Palmerston Road, Forest Gate, London, London, E7 8FAContact email
  • COMPUTER CAB (LIVERPOOL) LIMITEDFramework contractorGB-COH: 00597443GB-PPON: PQHC-8689-YTDQ The Point, 37 North Wharf Road, London, London, W2 1AFContact email
  • D COOPER TAXISFramework contractorGB-PPON: PBGH-6677-HYZQ 18 Darwin Court, Cambridge Road, Southport, North West, PR9 9XRContact email
  • DND TRAVEL LTDBidder / tendererGB-COH: 15037484GB-PPON: PQWC-2977-HYWR 43 St. Bernards Drive, Bootle, North West, L30 2QU
  • ENA TRAVELS & HIRE LTDFramework contractorGB-COH: 16422508GB-PPON: PZQG-7155-QCQR Office 12, Unit 3 Ellis Ashton Street, Liverpool, North West, L36 6BJContact email
  • FORMBY VILLAGE RADIO CARS LIMITEDFramework contractorGB-COH: 05698335GB-PPON: PLZY-6153-PXCP 300 St. Marys Road, Liverpool, North West, L19 0NQContact email
  • Green Destinations LtdFramework contractorGB-COH: 08022705 386 Park Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B18 5STContact email
  • HARTLEY TRAVEL LIMITEDFramework contractorGB-COH: 07019638GB-PPON: PJZD-9826-MHHT Old Jacobs Garages Hartley Avenue, Liverpool, North West, L9 7DBContact email
Show 18 more suppliers
  • HATS Group LtdFramework contractorGB-COH: 3135655GB-PPON: PHVJ-2218-JPNG C/O LSR Management Ltd, Unit C2A Comet Studios, De Havilland Court, Penn Street, Amersham, South East, HP7 0PXContact email
  • NORTHWEST TRAVELS LTDFramework contractorGB-COH: 14835026GB-PPON: PPRJ-3931-GBQX 41 Garrick Street, Liverpool, North West, L7 4LEContact email
  • PJC EXECUTIVE TRAVEL LIMITEDFramework contractorGB-COH: 12216198GB-PPON: PZQR-7789-WCRZ Suite 11-12 Jubilee House Altcar Road, Liverpool, North West, L37 8DLContact email
  • PRESIDENTIAL TRAVEL LTDFramework contractorGB-COH: 06481431GB-PPON: PHWP-8842-HDYP Unit B4 Kingfisher Business Park, Bootle, North West, L20 6PFContact email
  • RADCLIFFE TAXIS LIMITEDFramework contractorGB-COH: 15568559GB-PPON: PWRM-9663-PWBV Care of V and R Accountancy Services Cropton House, Formby, North West, L37 4AQContact email
  • REIGN MANAGEMENT SERVICES LTDFramework contractorGB-COH: 14410023GB-PPON: PXNZ-1942-MHVW 4 Dinas Lane, Huyton, North West, L36 2NPContact email
  • RTTS TRAVEL LTDFramework contractorGB-COH: 14376186GB-PPON: PDGR-4575-WZYV 52-60 St. Anne Street, Liverpool, North West, L3 3DYContact email
  • Reliable travel servicesFramework contractorGB-PPON: PLLZ-8277-GTLH 67 the park, Huyton Liverpool, North West, L36 5suContact email
  • SEAFORTH RADIO CARS LIMITEDFramework contractorGB-COH: 05989748GB-PPON: PRZJ-4874-BJVQ 105 Bridge Road, Liverpool, North West, L21 2PBContact email
  • SENURA GROUP LTDBidder / tendererGB-COH: 16812028GB-PPON: PMNT-4599-VJWG 71-75 Shelton Street, London, London, WC2H 9JQ
  • SLINE TRAVEL LIMITEDFramework contractorGB-COH: 11238765GB-PPON: PPXP-9388-HWXM Agate Business Hub, Blackburn, North West, BB1 9SHContact email
  • SPENCER TRAVELFramework contractorGB-PPON: PQDB-7381-JRND 82 LONSDALE ROAD, LITHERLAND, North West, L210DSContact email
  • TAKE ME ( MERSEYSIDE ) GROUP LTDBidder / tendererGB-COH: 16552075GB-PPON: PHYQ-5939-YZXR Rutland Lodge, Loughborough University, Loughborough, East Midlands, LE11 3TR
  • TOWER TRANSIT OPERATIONS LTDFramework contractorGB-COH: 08314506GB-PPON: PNLD-7757-JLPT Harrington House 25 High Street, Northampton, East Midlands, NN6 9NUContact email
  • TRAVEL DELUXE LIMITEDFramework contractorGB-COH: 12296316GB-PPON: PVCD-2248-NLZD Suite 2 Easy Access self-storage Oldmoor Road, Stockport, North West, SK6 2QEContact email
  • Travel CoFramework contractorGB-PPON: PBPZ-3838-WBHX 80 Royden Road, WIGAN, North West, WN57LPContact email
  • VEEZU NORTH LIMITEDFramework contractorGB-COH: 04512568GB-PPON: PPZW-4149-GXYV Hodge House, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 1DYContact email
  • YELLOW TOP HOLDINGS LIMITEDFramework contractorGB-COH: 13937031GB-PPON: PTZQ-7744-CJWZ 71/73 Hoghton Street, Southport, North West, PR9 0PRContact email

Official documents & specifications (10)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Tender pack and attachments

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
  • Tender notice tenderTender noticeUK4Tender notice on Find a Tender
  • Preliminary market engagement notice planningPreliminary market engagement noticeUK2Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
  • Pipeline notice planningPipeline noticeUK1Pipeline notice on Find a Tender