Planning

North East Franchising Scheme Assessment Independent Audit

NORTH EAST COMBINED AUTHORITY

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

28 Oct 2025 at 16:40

Planning

28 Oct 2025 at 16:33

Summary of the contracting process

The North East Combined Authority is embarking on a procurement process titled "North East Franchising Scheme Assessment Independent Audit," situated within the auditing services industry category. The project is currently in the planning stage, with a key focus on assessing the North East CA's Bus Franchising Scheme Assessment. Located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom, this open procedure aims to engage an independent auditor for the assessment process. The tender process is set to conclude on 19 December 2025, with enquiries closing on 4 December 2025. The expected commencement of the contract period is 30 January 2026, running until 30 June 2026.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in auditing services, particularly those experienced with public sector work and legislative compliance. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) are particularly well-suited to compete, as the procurement is structured to accommodate their participation. The contract, valued at approximately £400,000, offers a chance for growth by aligning with an influential public authority and contributing to a high-profile regional project. Professional expertise in analysing legislative and financial aspects of public transport schemes will be key to securing this opportunity.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

North East Franchising Scheme Assessment Independent Audit

Notice Description

This opportunity is to enter into Contract(s) for Service with Provider(s) for an Independent Auditor of the North East Combined Authority's (North East CA) Bus Franchising Scheme Assessment. On 30 July 2024 the North East Mayor Kim McGuiness and Cabinet approved a project to undertake a Franchising Scheme Assessment (FSA) and the Authority is currently preparing an assessment of the proposed bus franchising scheme in accordance with section 123B of the Transport Act 2000 as amended by the Bus Services Act 2017 (the "Act"). The FSA is delivered collaboratively with partners across the region, supported by specialist consultants, with a cabinet decision on whether to proceed to Audit expected in March 2026. As part of meeting the requirements of the Act, if a decision is made to proceed to obtaining a report from an [auditor][independent approved person], the Authority will require a suitably qualified organisation (the "Auditor") to undertake an audit of the Assessment and to provide an opinion in relation to the following areas required by section 123D of the Act: * Whether the information relied on by the Authority in considering the matters referred to in section 123B(3)(d) of the Act (the affordability of the scheme) or section 123B(3)(e) of the Act (the value for money of the proposed scheme) is of sufficient quality; * Whether the analysis of that information in the Assessment is of sufficient quality; and * Whether the Authority had due regard to the Guidance issued under section 123B of the Act in preparing the Assessment. The objective of this project is to deliver an independent audit to the North East CA of the FSA in accordance with relevant requirements of the Act.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d5a0
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/069125-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security


CPV Codes

79212000 - Auditing services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£400,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£400,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Oct 20251 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
19 Dec 20252 months to go
Future Notice Date
5 Nov 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Jan 2026 - 30 Jun 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NORTH EAST COMBINED AUTHORITY
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@northeast-ca.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Postcode
NE4 5BZ
Post Town
Newcastle upon Tyne
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC43 Tyneside
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England)

Local Authority
Newcastle upon Tyne
Electoral Ward
Arthur's Hill
Westminster Constituency
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

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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