Award

Support for Bus Franchising Pilots

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

11 Nov 2025 at 13:31

Award

30 Oct 2025 at 10:39

Tender

11 Aug 2025 at 11:29

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process, managed by the Department for Transport, pertains to the commissioning of external consultancy services to aid the department in the creation of innovative bus franchising models and supporting the Bus Franchising and Reform Pilot Programme. The contract, titled "Support for Bus Franchising Pilots," falls under the services category, specifically transport systems consultancy services, and is located in the United Kingdom. This process utilised an open procurement method, was completed on 11th November 2025, with key activity milestones including the tender period ending on 5th September 2025, and the contract start date on 30th October 2025. The contract is valued at £600,000 gross and runs until 31st March 2026.

This contract represents significant growth potential for consultancy firms, notably those specialising in transport systems and financial consultancy services. The open procedure allows a broad range of businesses to participate, fostering competitive bids and innovation. Large consultancy firms, such as the awarded supplier Grant Thornton, are well-suited to provide the extensive expertise required for the project. However, the absence of smaller enterprise bids indicates an opportunity for SMEs to engage in future tenders of similar nature, offering niche expertise or cost-effective solutions. The project supports public sector innovation, presenting opportunities for firms to bolster their portfolio in public transportation reform initiatives.

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/072796-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details 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
£500,000 £500K-£1M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Nov 20253 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
5 Sep 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
28 Sep 20252 months ago
Contract Period
30 Oct 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

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

Notice Documents

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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