Tender

Provision of Client Assisted Passenger Transport Services

SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

28 Nov 2025 at 09:29

Summary of the contracting process

Surrey County Council, a sub-central government public authority based in Reigate, UK, has initiated an open tender process for the Provision of Client Assisted Passenger Transport Services, aimed at facilitating Home to School transport for students across the county. The tender falls under the services category, specifically "Transport services (excluding Waste transport)," and is available for areas in the UKJ22 and UKJ25 regions. The procurement process is managed by ACCESS UK LTD, handling submissions via their online platform. This tender, which commenced on the 28th of November 2025, is currently in the tender phase, with a deadline for submissions set for the 23rd of December 2025. The procurement process adheres to the requirements of the Education Act 1996, ensuring eligible students have reliable transport arrangements provided through a competitive selection process. The contract period is set to begin on the 1st of March 2026 and will extend until the 28th of February 2030, with potential for renewal until 2034.

This procurement presents significant opportunities for businesses involved in the transport sector, particularly those that can provide a range of vehicle types suited to both standard and specialized transport needs. With substantial contract values, particularly for businesses capable of addressing complex transport requirements involving health support or specialist education needs, this tender offers a broad scope for service providers. It is especially advantageous for SMEs and VCSEs equipped with experience in customer service tailored to special needs and the capability to meet stringent health and safety standards. Businesses that can offer enhanced customer service and comply with regulatory frameworks such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration for health-related transport services, will find this tender offers a platform for both revenue generation and organizational growth.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Provision of Client Assisted Passenger Transport Services

Notice Description

Procurement description - Surrey County Council is dedicated to providing sustainable, safe, secure, and reliable Home to School transport services that meet the needs of students across the county. In accordance with the Education Act 1996 and subsequent amendments, the Council ensures that eligible students have access to free or subsidized transport to and from school. The responsibility for providing Home to School transport services primarily lies with the local authority, especially for students who meet specific criteria such as distance from school, special educational needs, or disabilities. When these services require funding support, it becomes the Council's obligation to secure such services through a competitive tendering process. Home to School transport services funded by Surrey County Council are essential in ensuring that students can attend school regularly and punctually. These services help to promote educational attainment, reduce absenteeism, and support the well-being of students by providing a safe and reliable means of travel.

Lot Information

Standard Transport Services

All types of vehicles as required per the list of "Scope of Passenger Transport Services" (further details can be found in Section 3 of the service specification - Appendix 1) to be commissioned from Saloon cars up to large coaches of 90 seats.

Renewal: Optional extension of up to 4 years.

Enhanced Needs Transport Services

All types of vehicles as required per the list of "Scope of Passenger Transport Services" (further details can be found in Section 3 of the service specification - Appendix 1) to be commissioned from Saloon cars up to large coaches of 90 seats. * Routes carrying children with particularly complex special educational or behavioural needs including disabilities * Routes into specialist SEN Schools with challenging requirements * All or the majority of transport into a school * Entire specified geographical areas * An enhanced level of customer service due to special school or parental need The Councils have identified that there is a need for an enhanced level of specialist knowledge, experience and business operation in order to qualify to bid for Lot 2 work.

Renewal: Optional extension of up to 4 years.

Complex (Health) Transport Services

All types of vehicles as required per the list of "Scope of Passenger Transport Services" (further details can be found in Section 3 of the service specification - Appendix 1) to be commissioned. - Clients that require basic health interventions and assistance including epilepsy, diabetes and other health needs that may necessitate the administration of medication and application of a care plan. These services may require additional training and insurance requirements - Clients that have complex health needs that will require support in regulated activity from a supplier that has the appropriate CQC Registration.

Renewal: Optional extension of up to 4 years.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05eac3
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077938-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
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

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£595,200,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
£560,000,000 £100M-£1B
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Nov 20256 days ago
Submission Deadline
23 Dec 20253 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Mar 2026 - 28 Feb 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
2026-01-26

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL
Additional Buyers

ACCESS UK LTD

Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurementpmo@eastsussex.gov.uk, servelec.lg.bids@theaccessgroup.com
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
REIGATE
Postcode
RH2 8EF
Post Town
Redhill
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLF East Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLF2 Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLF22 Leicestershire CC and Rutland
Delivery Location
TLJ22 East Sussex CC, TLJ25 West Surrey

Local Authority
Charnwood
Electoral Ward
Loughborough Ashby
Westminster Constituency
Loughborough

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-05eac3-2025-11-28T09:29:08Z",
    "date": "2025-11-28T09:29:08Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05eac3",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PWRH-8974-TNBV",
            "name": "Surrey County Council",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PWRH-8974-TNBV"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill",
                "locality": "Reigate",
                "postalCode": "RH2 8EF",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ26"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "ProcurementPMO@eastsussex.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-02343760",
            "name": "ACCESS UK LTD",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "02343760"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PBNW-7697-HCPQ"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Armstrong Building Oakwood Drive",
                "locality": "Loughborough",
                "postalCode": "LE11 3QF",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKF22"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "servelec.lg.bids@theaccessgroup.com"
            },
            "roles": [
                "procuringEntity",
                "processContactPoint"
            ],
            "roleDetails": "SCC will use Access Uk IT solution to manage the tendering and awarding of contracts to approved transport operators who provide school transport for SCC school children. The tendering platform provides the ability to advertise, onboard and communicate routes for tender to approved operators.",
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.theaccessgroup.com"
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PWRH-8974-TNBV",
        "name": "Surrey County Council"
    },
    "planning": {
        "noEngagementNoticeRationale": "The Preliminary Market Engagement notice has been published: Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-024680 Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-051b42 Published 22 May 2025, 12:06pm Tender Notice has been published previously for this Open Framework as well: Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-062407 Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-051b42 Published 6 October 2025, 10:31am Unfortunately I'm unable to link them to this notice."
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-05eac3",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Provision of Client Assisted Passenger Transport Services",
        "description": "Procurement description - Surrey County Council is dedicated to providing sustainable, safe, secure, and reliable Home to School transport services that meet the needs of students across the county. In accordance with the Education Act 1996 and subsequent amendments, the Council ensures that eligible students have access to free or subsidized transport to and from school. The responsibility for providing Home to School transport services primarily lies with the local authority, especially for students who meet specific criteria such as distance from school, special educational needs, or disabilities. When these services require funding support, it becomes the Council's obligation to secure such services through a competitive tendering process. Home to School transport services funded by Surrey County Council are essential in ensuring that students can attend school regularly and punctually. These services help to promote educational attainment, reduce absenteeism, and support the well-being of students by providing a safe and reliable means of travel.",
        "status": "active",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60000000",
                        "description": "Transport services (excl. Waste transport)"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ22",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ25",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60000000",
                        "description": "Transport services (excl. Waste transport)"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ22",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ25",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "2"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "60000000",
                        "description": "Transport services (excl. Waste transport)"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ22",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ25",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "3"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 686979840,
            "amount": 595200000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "techniques": {
            "hasFrameworkAgreement": true,
            "frameworkAgreement": {
                "isOpenFrameworkScheme": true,
                "method": "withAndWithoutReopeningCompetition",
                "type": "closed",
                "description": "Please refer to Appendix 2 Operational Guide, Appendix 3 Application Guide and Invitation to Tender for further details.",
                "openFrameworkSchemeEndDate": "2034-02-28T23:59:59Z"
            }
        },
        "submissionMethodDetails": "https://www.adamproviders.co.uk/surrey-county-council-client-transport-services-2026-2034",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-12-23T17:00:00Z"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-12-15T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-01-23T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "title": "Standard Transport Services",
                "description": "All types of vehicles as required per the list of \"Scope of Passenger Transport Services\" (further details can be found in Section 3 of the service specification - Appendix 1) to be commissioned from Saloon cars up to large coaches of 90 seats.",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 249307200,
                    "amount": 216000000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 95,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-03-01T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2030-02-28T23:59:59Z",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2034-02-28T23:59:59Z"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Optional extension of up to 4 years."
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "title": "Enhanced Needs Transport Services",
                "description": "All types of vehicles as required per the list of \"Scope of Passenger Transport Services\" (further details can be found in Section 3 of the service specification - Appendix 1) to be commissioned from Saloon cars up to large coaches of 90 seats. * Routes carrying children with particularly complex special educational or behavioural needs including disabilities * Routes into specialist SEN Schools with challenging requirements * All or the majority of transport into a school * Entire specified geographical areas * An enhanced level of customer service due to special school or parental need The Councils have identified that there is a need for an enhanced level of specialist knowledge, experience and business operation in order to qualify to bid for Lot 2 work.",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 341643200,
                    "amount": 296000000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 95,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-03-01T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2030-02-28T23:59:59Z",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2034-02-28T23:59:59Z"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Optional extension of up to 4 years."
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "title": "Complex (Health) Transport Services",
                "description": "All types of vehicles as required per the list of \"Scope of Passenger Transport Services\" (further details can be found in Section 3 of the service specification - Appendix 1) to be commissioned. - Clients that require basic health interventions and assistance including epilepsy, diabetes and other health needs that may necessitate the administration of medication and application of a care plan. These services may require additional training and insurance requirements - Clients that have complex health needs that will require support in regulated activity from a supplier that has the appropriate CQC Registration.",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 55401600,
                    "amount": 48000000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 95,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 5,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-03-01T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2030-02-28T23:59:59Z",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2034-02-28T23:59:59Z"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Optional extension of up to 4 years."
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "L-1",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "url": "https://www.adamproviders.co.uk/surrey-county-council-client-transport-services-2026-2034"
            },
            {
                "id": "L-2",
                "documentType": "technicalSpecifications",
                "url": "https://www.adamproviders.co.uk/surrey-county-council-client-transport-services-2026-2034"
            },
            {
                "id": "077938-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077938-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-11-28T09:29:08Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "hasRecurrence": true,
        "recurrence": {
            "dates": [
                {
                    "startDate": "2026-01-26T23:59:59Z"
                }
            ]
        }
    },
    "language": "en"
}