Tender

Ad Hoc Coach Hire

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

29 May 2026 at 14:03

Planning

08 May 2026 at 08:59

Summary of the contracting process

Cardiff University is actively inviting bids for its "Ad Hoc Coach Hire" tender to establish a framework agreement comprising three lots: ad-hoc coach transport, international arrivals (airport collections), and mini-bus transport. This procurement, under the open procedure and governed by the Welsh devolved regulations, is situated in Cardiff, UK (region UKL22). The initiative, currently in the tender stage, is set to close for submissions by 23rd June 2026 at 12:00 pm, with the enquiry period ending on 18th June 2026. The expected value of this procurement is approximately £1.44 million, with a framework duration from 1st August 2026 to 31st July 2028, having an extension option until 2030. The award criteria emphasize quality, responsible procurement, and price, fostering a competitive yet fair evaluation process.

This tender creates valuable business growth opportunities, particularly for SMEs, with suitability markings indicating an inclusive environment for such enterprises. The framework agreement allows up to three suppliers to provide high-quality, reliable, and sustainable transportation services, emphasizing the hire of buses and coaches with drivers. Businesses in the transport service sector that prioritize passenger safety, vehicle reliability, and innovative customer service solutions stand well-placed to compete for these lots. The open procedure of this tender encourages diverse participation, fostering a competitive market landscape that benefits from price stability and potentially lucrative partnerships with a prominent educational institution.

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How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Ad Hoc Coach Hire

Notice Description

Following our Pre-Market Engagement process, the University is now seeking bidders to submit their proposals for a place on our Coach Hire framework which will comprise three lots: Lot 1 - Ad hoc Coach transport Lot 2 - International Arrivals(Airport Collections) Lot 3 - Mini-Bus transport Tender Documents are available for download at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/cardiffuniversity/aspx/Home The portal should also be used for all communication and tender submissions

Lot Information

Coach Hire

Ad-hoc Services (including fixed term contracts)

Renewal: Contract Extensions

International Arrivals

Collect students from Heathrow Airport

Renewal: Optional Extension

Min-Bus

For smaller transport requirements where only a mini-bus plus driver is required.

Renewal: Optional Extensions

Planning Information

Prospective bidders are invited to provide information regarding their services, with particular emphasis on reliability, customer service, safety, and sustainability. While the University anticipates awarding contracts to a maximum of three suppliers, we welcome feedback and innovative ideas from the market on how this model could operate effectively in practice, including opportunities to reduce costs and maximise commercial value. While the University welcomes feedback and suggestions, it should be noted that we are unable to guarantee that any such contributions will be incorporated into the final tender documentation. Suppliers who choose not to submit a response at this stage will not be disadvantaged or precluded from submitting a proposal at the final tender stage. Likewise, suppliers who do provide a response at this stage will not be treated more favourably.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069437
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/050917-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, 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
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

60172000 - Hire of buses and coaches with driver

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,200,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,120,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 May 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
23 Jun 20261 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
29 May 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Jul 2026 - 31 Jul 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
2030-05-03

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CARDIFF
Postcode
CF24 4HQ
Post Town
Cardiff
Country
Wales

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLL Wales
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLL5 South East Wales
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLL52 Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Delivery Location
TLL22 Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan

Local Authority
Cardiff
Electoral Ward
Cathays
Westminster Constituency
Cardiff South and Penarth

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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