Award

Self Drive Vehicle Hire contract

DORSET COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

16 Jul 2025 at 08:24

Award Notice
Tender

17 Feb 2025 at 15:25

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Dorset Council has completed the procurement process for a Self Drive Vehicle Hire contract, which was initiated on 17 February 2025. The procurement involved an open procedure for the provision of various motor vehicles, including passenger cars and commercial vehicles, to be used across England. The total estimated contract value is £3,000,000 and covers a contractual period from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2031. The contract was awarded to U-Drive, an SME specialising in vehicle hire solutions, on 26 June 2025, with final publication of the award notice on 16 July 2025. This procurement falls under the "Motor vehicles" category with CPV code 34100000.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses involved in vehicle hire or fleet management services, particularly those capable of providing a diverse range of vehicles on a self-drive basis. SMEs, like U-Drive, that offer flexibility and can adapt to changes in vehicle types and quantities due to evolving council requirements are well-positioned to benefit. The open procurement method indicates a competitive bidding environment, where such businesses can showcase their capacity to meet public sector needs, potentially leading to growth and increased market presence. Businesses in the United Kingdom interested in public sector contracts stand to gain significant exposure and long-term stability through participation in similar tenders.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Self Drive Vehicle Hire contract

Notice Description

Tenders are being sought to provide self drive vehicle hire solutions to Dorset Council. The types of vehicles required includes: economy, compact, intermediate and full sized passenger cars; automatic transmission passenger car; compact and standard multipurpose vehicles; minibus with 17 seats; single and double cab utility (Pick-Up) vehicles; economy (Small) vans; medium and long wheel base panel vans; box vans (Luton Type); single and crew cab flatbed and tipper body light commercial vehicles (3500kgs); flatbed and tipper body and box lorry heavy commercial vehicles (7500kgs). The full list of vehicle types is detailed within the Specification and pricing schedule although this list may evolve during the term of the contract as the Councils needs change and/or as a result of innovations within the vehicle market. The contract will be for an initial period of 4 years, with options to extend for a further 2 years. The estimated contract value is based upon the Councils estimated vehicle hire needs over the full contract term however this may change due to changing needs and circumstances during the contract term: This may include expansion of the scope, budget, or duration if additional services are needed or may include reduction of the scope, budget, or duration if circumstances change, such as reduced funding, lower-than-expected demand, or strategic shifts.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-c4cc53d4-4f1a-4a96-96b2-a4408bbd2156
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/35a13b27-59df-48d1-aa56-2c0f0fda3f29
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

CPV Codes

34100000 - Motor vehicles

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£3,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£3,000,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
16 Jul 20257 months ago
Submission Deadline
24 Mar 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
25 Jun 20258 months ago
Contract Period
30 Jun 2025 - 30 Jun 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DORSET COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
DORCHESTER
Postcode
DT1 1XJ
Post Town
Dorchester
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK6 North Somerset, Somerset and Dorset
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK64 Dorset
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)
Local Authority
Dorset
Electoral Ward
Dorchester West
Westminster Constituency
West Dorset

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

U-DRIVE

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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