This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

11 Jun 2026 at 12:47

Planning

14 May 2026 at 22:28

Summary of the contracting process

Transport for London (TfL) is in the planning stage of a potential future procurement process for Driver Quality Monitoring (DQM) Services for London buses, indicated by tender ID TfL 97139. This public undertaking aims to conduct an independent and objective assessment of driving standards across the London bus network. The procurement process currently involves a preliminary market engagement phase running from 11 June 2026 to 3 July 2026, during which TfL seeks to gauge market interest and capabilities via a Market Sounding Questionnaire. The process is categorised under 'services' with relevant CPV code 80000000 for education and training services. Interested parties can discuss this opportunity further by reaching out to TfL's contact point through BSFAribaAdministration@tfl.gov.uk.

The Driver Quality Monitoring Services will provide business growth opportunities for companies capable of supplying advanced driver assessment solutions, qualified assessors, and comprehensive data management systems. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) specialising in performance analytics, online reporting tools, and evaluation frameworks are well-suited to engage in this process. By contributing to this initiative, businesses can play a crucial role in enhancing the safety and performance of London’s public transport, potentially influencing important procurement specifications and strategies ahead of the formal tender process, expected to commence in February 2027 with a contract term running until January 2030, with potential extensions up to January 2032.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Driver Quality Monitoring 2026

Notice Description

Transport for London (TfL) is undertaking preliminary market engagement in relation to a potential future procurement for Driver Quality Monitoring (DQM) Services for London buses. DQM provides TfL with independent and objective assessments of bus driving standards across the London bus network. The service involves assessors travelling covertly on buses while they are in service and assessing driver performance against defined criteria covering passenger consideration, driving ability and other safety-related matters. The indicative requirement includes approximately 7,700 assessments per year, use of suitably qualified and trained assessors, a web-based or mobile assessment solution, data management and reporting capability, daily updates, operator notifications, escalation of serious safety findings, quality assurance, performance reporting and related contract management activities. The purpose of this engagement is to understand market interest, delivery capacity, potential service models, technology options, pricing structures, mobilisation requirements and any barriers that may affect competition. Feedback received may be used to inform the final specification, commercial model, evaluation approach and procurement strategy. TfL is issuing a Market Sounding Questionnaire (MSQ) to a broad range of suppliers. This notice is published in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023. This exercise does not constitute a formal procurement process and does not commit TfL to any subsequent procurement activity.

Planning Information

TfL is conducting preliminary market engagement through a Market Sounding Questionnaire to understand current market interest, capability and capacity for the provision of Driver Quality Monitoring (DQM) Services for London buses. The engagement period commences on 11 June 2026 and will close at 5pm on 3 July 2026, following the deadline for receipt of questionnaire responses. Clarification questions may be submitted until 5pm on 19 June 2026 and TfL intends to issue responses by 26 June 2026. This exercise is for market engagement only and does not constitute a call for competition or a commitment to procure. TfL may, at its discretion, undertake further engagement with suppliers after reviewing the responses received. Please reach out to BayoAkinyemi@tfl.gov.uk to obtain a copy of the MSQ document. Both clarification questions and responses should be submitted via email to BayoAkinyemi@tfl.gov.uk

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069989
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055233-2026
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
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

80000000 - Education and training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Jun 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
21 Jul 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Feb 2027 - 31 Jan 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
TRANSPORT FOR LONDON
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
E20 1JN
Post Town
East London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI41 Hackney and Newham
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Newham
Electoral Ward
Stratford Olympic Park
Westminster Constituency
Stratford and Bow

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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