Tender

Approved Contractors for the Integrated Transport Unit (ITU) Framework (2)

BOLTON METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

05 Mar 2026 at 15:03

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council is initiating a tender for the Integrated Transport Unit (ITU) Framework Agreement, offering substantial opportunities under a seven-year framework set to commence on 1 September 2026. This tender focuses on transport services within the United Kingdom, specifically in the UKD region. Conducted under the Procurement Act 2023, the open procedure allows for new suppliers to tender for a place on the framework intermittently throughout the term, with the deadline for submissions by 6 April 2026. The procurement process is presently in the tender stage, with a total contract value estimated at £28,000,000 GBP. Interested parties should note that framework carries over existing providers but invites fresh submissions and revised pricing, effective from the framework's commencement date.

This procurement presents a valuable opportunity for businesses in the transportation services sector, well-suited for SMEs and VCSEs due to its evolving nature and the scope for route-specific awards based on quality and social value criteria. Companies specialising in transport services, that can offer competitive mileage charges and meet the quality requirements, have an opportunity to secure long-term contracts within a structured open framework scheme. The ITU Framework encourages regular competition to include new providers, fostering growth and providing an avenue for businesses to engage with sub-central government projects over an extended period, with individual route schedules awarded based on vehicle availability and pricing efficiency. Interested businesses should align their offerings to the framework's requirements to enhance their chances for successful inclusion.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Approved Contractors for the Integrated Transport Unit (ITU) Framework (2)

Notice Description

The Borough Council of Bolton ("the Authority") is prepared to receive tenders for Approved Contractors for the Integrated Transport Unit (ITU) Framework Agreement. This Procurement is being conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, using the Open Framework Procedure. The original Framework commenced 1 August 2025 for eight (8) years in total. Framework 2 will be for the remaining seven (7) years. It is intended for Framework 2 to commence 1 September 2026, subject to the information, specification and tender package enclosed. Existing Providers on The Framework will be carried over to the new Framework(2). However, they are invited to resubmit their Operational Route Mileage Charges form as part of this round. Changes to pricing will take effect from 1 September 2026. Open Frameworks are "reopened" (i.e. one Framework in the scheme expires as the next one commenced) periodically throughout the term to allow new suppliers to tender for a place on the Framework. The Open Framework will re-open intermittently, during which periods new providers will be able to gain entry onto the Framework Agreement. Linked to OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-051013

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-066340
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020006-2026
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
£28,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£28,000,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
6 Apr 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 31 Jul 2033 Over 5 years
Recurrence
2027-03-01

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
BOLTON METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BOLTON
Postcode
BL1 1RU
Post Town
Bolton
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD36 Greater Manchester North West
Delivery Location
TLD North West (England)
Local Authority
Bolton
Electoral Ward
Queens Park & Central
Westminster Constituency
Bolton North East

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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