Planning

Dynamic Market for Local Bus Services

EAST MIDLANDS COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

19 Nov 2025 at 11:21

Summary of the contracting process

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is presently engaged in planning a procurement process for a Dynamic Market aimed at improving local bus services across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham. This initiative, which falls under the industry category of transport services, is set to foster regional connectivity and support local economies. The procurement process is at the planning stage, with a scheduled milestone for market engagement on 14 December 2025. EMCCA, a sub-central government public authority based in Chesterfield, is managing this process, in collaboration with Nottinghamshire County Council as the procuring entity. A crucial notice is anticipated for publication on 15 December 2025, with services expected to commence on 1 March 2026 and span several years until 2031, with potential extensions up to 2034.

This tender offers substantial opportunities for businesses involved in transport services, particularly those offering innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions. The scope includes providing urban and rural bus routes, integrating with regional transport infrastructures, and ensuring accessibility for passengers with varied mobility needs. The process targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, promoting a diverse competitive landscape. This procurement not only opens doors for growth through large-scale service delivery but also contributes to enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of regional transport services. Interested suppliers can engage with EMCCA's procurement team prior to the formal notice, fostering early collaboration and alignment with the project's objectives.

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Notice Title

Dynamic Market for Local Bus Services

Notice Description

Background and Context East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) was formed in March 2024. We're led by an elected Mayor and cover the four local authority areas of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham. Keeping the East Midlands moving - our plans for transport Transport is not just about getting from A to B. It's about how we grow our economy, connect our communities, and open-up opportunity. With the powers secured through devolution, we now have the tools to reshape transport across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. As the new Local Transport Authority, we will lead a modern, joined-up transport system that works for everyone. Further information on EMCCA's vision for Transport can be found here: Transport - East Midlands Combined County Authority. Purpose of the Engagement Under the new Procurement Act and Regulations, the old Dynamic Purchasing System from the PCR2015 has been removed, and no direct replacement exists under the new rules. However, a process called a Dynamic Market has been introduced which still offers some of the benefits and flexibility that the previous PDS process offered. As EMCCA is a new entity with no existing contracts we are seeking to establish compliant contracting pathways for our future requirements. EMCCA's intention is to establish a local bus Dynamic Market that will enable the provision of safe, accessible, and efficient transport options designed to improve regional connectivity, support local economies, and meet the diverse mobility needs of residents. Services will include urban and rural bus routes. EMCCA is committed to a competitive and transparent procurement process that promotes innovation, sustainability and affordability. Further details regarding the establishment of the Dynamic Market conditions of participation will follow. The East Midland Combined County Authority (EMCCA) welcomes feedback on the intended approach from suppliers within the sector. Scope of Services The anticipated scope, subject to change, includes: - Operation of local bus routes within East Midlands. - Provision of accessible services for all passengers, including those with reduced mobility. - Integration with regional transport networks and ticketing systems and schemes. - Delivery aligned with sustainability objectives, including low-emission vehicles and energy-efficient operations. How to Participate Interested suppliers will be able to register for participation in the Dynamic Market once the Intention to Establish a Dynamic Market Notice is published. In the intervening period parties are welcome to contact the procurement team to discuss the intended process: Email: transport.procurement@emcca.gov.uk

Planning Information

Information provided on the scope of the Dynamic Market and anticipated time frame for the projected to be advertised

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05e429
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075134-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Dynamic
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£40,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
15 Dec 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Mar 2026 - 28 Feb 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
EAST MIDLANDS COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY
Additional Buyers

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Contact Name
Joe Jeffrey
Contact Email
corporate.procurement@nottscc.gov.uk, transport.procurement@emcca.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
CHESTERFIELD
Postcode
S40 1UT
Post Town
Sheffield
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLF East Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLF1 Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLF16 South Nottinghamshire
Delivery Location
TLF1 Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

Local Authority
Rushcliffe
Electoral Ward
Trent Bridge
Westminster Constituency
Rushcliffe

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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