Award

Support for Bus Franchising Pilots

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

30 Oct 2025 at 10:39

Tender

11 Aug 2025 at 11:29

Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Transport, a central government public authority located in London, United Kingdom, has completed the procurement process for the project titled "Support for Bus Franchising Pilots." This contract falls under the services industry category, specifically transport systems consultancy services, and aims to innovate franchising models for bus services. The procurement process used an open procedure method, with the tender period closing on 5th September 2025, and an award was granted on 4th October 2025. The project will commence on 11th November 2025, concluding on 31st March 2026. The awarded contract, valued at £500,000 with a gross amount of £600,000, was secured by Grant Thornton, a large supplier also based in London. The award notice was published on 30th October 2025.

This tender offers significant business growth opportunities for companies specialising in consultancy services related to transport systems. It is best suited for large-scale consultancy firms capable of delivering innovative solutions within the stipulated timeframe. The project's focus on creating new franchising models can open doors for consultancy businesses to influence public transport reform and establish themselves within the public sector market. Moreover, the substantial contract value indicates a robust investment in expertise and consultancy services, encouraging businesses with similar capabilities to pursue future opportunities in public sector contracts.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Support for Bus Franchising Pilots

Notice Description

The purpose of this procurement is to commission an external consultant to support the development of new and innovative Franchising Models and support the department with phase 1 of the Bus Franchising and Reform Pilot Programme.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-058517
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/069641-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

66 - Financial and insurance services

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services


CPV Codes

66171000 - Financial consultancy services

71311200 - Transport systems consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£500,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
£500,000 £500K-£1M
Awards Value
£500,000 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Oct 20251 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
5 Sep 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
28 Sep 20251 months ago
Contract Period
11 Nov 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
dftc.procurement@dft.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 4DR
Post Town
South West London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
Vincent Square
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

GRANT THORNTON

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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