Planning

Early Market Engagement - UEA Coach and Minibus Framework

UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

28 Nov 2025 at 09:36

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of East Anglia (UEA) is conducting an early market engagement for a Coach and Minibus Framework, aimed at servicing its transportation needs across multiple departments. This procurement process, currently in the planning stage, is categorised under the "Minibuses" industry and is set to take place in the East of England, United Kingdom. The engagement is scheduled to conclude on 8th December 2025. The UEA intends to establish a framework contract divided into two lots—coach and minibus—expecting to appoint around five suppliers per lot, with the possibility for suppliers to secure positions in both. This is not a call to competition but an opportunity for market consultation to influence future procurement processes.

This tender opportunity represents a significant growth avenue for businesses specialising in passenger transport services, particularly those capable of meeting specific requirements such as reliable, safe, and compliant road transport services. SMEs are especially encouraged to participate, as the UEA seeks to gather insights and feedback from local suppliers to shape the final tendering process. Companies with experience in providing transport solutions, equipped with a valid Operator Licence, and that meet the insurance and professional standards criteria outlined by the UEA, are ideally suited to partake in this process. This engagement not only opens doors for service provision but also allows suppliers to influence the procurement specifications to better align with market capabilities.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Early Market Engagement - UEA Coach and Minibus Framework

Notice Description

The University of East Anglia have a requirement for the transportation of Students, Faculty Staff, Guests, Sports Teams and Business professionals throughout the academic year, to a number of local and national destinations. The UEA intend to award a framework contract composed of two lots, coach and minibus, and we expect around 5 suppliers per lot. Suppliers can be awarded a place in both lots. The purpose of the request is to explore the range of available options for potential future service delivery and to gather feedback, in particular from the local SME market. This engagement will help inform our approach to any potential future procurement and ensure that it is shaped by a clear understanding of market capabilities, innovations, and capacity. *** This is not a call for competition or an invitation to tender. This is an invitation to participate in a market consultation exercise in relation to the provision of Coach and Minibus services. *** Key Service Requirements include, providing reliable road transport services across multiple UEA departments, allocating a suitable vehicle for each booking and ensure service is prompt, safe and compliant. Operators must hold valid Operator Licence and maintain at least Amber DVSA OCRS rating, notifying UEA of any changes. Expected mandatory insurance minimums are PS2m Public Liability and PS10m Employers' Liability. Drivers will be expected to hold correct licences and CPC, undergo 6-monthly licence checks and yearly DVLA verification, have DBS clearance and meet professional standards. Additional information: The UEA is interested in responses from suppliers that can provide, directly or via a framework consortium, a coach and minibus service suitable for the UEA's specification of requirements. Please complete the MS Form found here: https://forms.office.com/e/MsEUaE9ewv. We expect this to take around 20-30 minutes and responses will be consolidated at the end of the day, Monday 8th December. We value your contribution to the shaping of the next iteration of the contract. Thank you!

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-91393bc0-03ee-4f11-a841-2f6cba53bdd7
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f5d236fd-edb7-4612-b662-e49b59dfbe10
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

CPV Codes

34114400 - Minibuses

34115200 - Motor vehicles for the transport of fewer than 10 persons

34120000 - Motor vehicles for the transport of 10 or more persons

60170000 - Hire of passenger transport vehicles with driver

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Nov 20256 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
8 Dec 20253 days to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA
Contact Name
Sian Townshend
Contact Email
s.townshend@uea.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
NORWICH
Postcode
NR4 7TJ
Post Town
Norwich
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH5 Norfolk
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH51 Norwich and East Norfolk
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Norwich
Electoral Ward
University
Westminster Constituency
Norwich South

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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