Planning

University of Derby Health Bus

UNIVERSITY OF DERBY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

18 Dec 2025 at 14:18

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Derby, a public authority under the sub-central government classification, is currently at the planning stage for the procurement of a Health Bus as a turnkey solution. The project involves the conversion of a double decker bus to provide real-world healthcare experience for students alongside community partners. Located in Derby, with delivery anticipated in the United Kingdom, the estimated contract value is £230,000. An Expression of Interest process is being conducted, ending on 9th January 2026, to gather market insights, with a closed competition to follow for interested suppliers.

This tender presents significant opportunities for SMEs and VCSEs, especially those experienced in vehicle conversion and reconditioning services. By participating, businesses can establish or strengthen relationships with academic and healthcare sectors, enhancing their portfolio with innovative healthcare solutions. Interested suppliers who engage in the Expression of Interest will receive an invitation to the closed tender process, offering a platform for growth within the educational and public service sectors.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

University of Derby Health Bus

Notice Description

The University of Derby has secured funding for the purchase, and conversion of a Double decker bus, into a Health Bus. The University are seeking a turn-key solution, to convert a double decker bus, into a Health Bus, for the benefit of our students, providing real world experience of delivering care to the general population, as part of their studies (alongside community partners, as part of a CIC). Currently, we are exploring options of purchasing or securing a donor vehicle, both as part of an overall solution (with a provider sourcing, and converting a vehicle), as well as separately (with the University of Derby providing the successful supplier with a donor vehicle, which will then need to be converted into a health bus). More details around specification are included within the Expression of Interest questionnaire (Full details below in this notice). We are inviting input into this overall process, to understand from the market, how best to achieve our goals and ambitions with this vehicle. The University of Derby reserve the right not to progress this Expression of Interest into a formal tender process. The Expression of Interest is mandatory for those who wish to participate, however the submission of an Expression of Interest does not bind the supplier to take part in the tender process. Suppliers who have expressed an interest in the opportunity ahead of the deadline, will be invited to a closed tender process, but may opt-out of submitting a tender at any point.

Planning Information

The University of Derby is running an Expression of Interest process, with the intention of completing a closed competition, with suppliers who express an interest in this opportunity. In addition to the Expression of Interest, there is a short questionnaire, which has been created to allow suppliers to provide both feedback and considerations, to help shape any proposed future tender. The form to complete is available at the website link below, which is open until 12:00 noon on Friday 9th January 2026. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=OrvxmPpegkeIur2JfbYOYqmxlRRYIkRChfDgdq1N5XBUQVkyQkdURVZMNUhUTE4xQ0FVR0g1NjBETC4u This Pre-market engagement is not a formal tender but does represent an Expression of Interest. This is not a scored tender process and any responses provided by bidders are both optional, and for information only. Completing this form does not commit the University of Derby or the respondent to proceed. Suppliers who submit this form will be invited to the formal tender stage should we proceed. The University reserves the right to not undertake a procurement process for these services.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f947
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/084447-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
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

50 - Repair and maintenance services

CPV Codes

50117000 - Vehicle conversion and reconditioning services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£230,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
9 Jan 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Mar 2026 - 30 Mar 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF DERBY
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@derby.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
DERBY
Postcode
DE22 1GB
Post Town
Derby
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLF East Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLF1 Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLF11 Derby
Delivery Location
TLF East Midlands (England)
Local Authority
Derby
Electoral Ward
Allestree
Westminster Constituency
Mid Derbyshire

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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