Tendering for contracts
The council tenders and awards contracts for mainstream, SEN and social care transport under a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for large vehicle passenger transport (9 or more passenger seats). This is known as BB4 DPS.
Operators new to the council
If you’re not currently on the DPS, you must first apply to join. You can apply online via the council’s e-tendering portal. You can apply at any point during the term of the DPS agreement.
For further information please see:
Existing DPS operators
Since March 2023, all competitions are undertaken via council’s e-tendering portal. Only operators currently on the DPS are eligible to bid (if an operator has been suspended or removed from the DPS, they will be unable to bid).
The council’s e-tendering portal
The council currently advertises its tenders on the East Mids Tenders website.
If you’re new to the platform, you can register for free.
Find further portal help for suppliers
Engagement event 2023
In March 2023, the council held BB4 engagement events which were open to all operators interested in bidding for the council’s contracts.
BB4 Dynamic Purchasing System
The BB4 DPS agreement commenced on 1 July 2020 and has since been extended. The current expiry date of the BB4 DPS is 30 June 2024.
The council has the option to further extend the DPS up to a maximum term of 10 years. Extensions are optional at council’s sole discretion and always communicated to the DPS operators.
To see details of the DPS, including the list of awarded suppliers, please see the dedicated BB4 Contract Register
Tendering for Local Bus Services
These tenders are undertaken via the council’s e-tendering portal.
Large Vehicle DPS BB4
Contract conditions for large vehicles
All large vehicle contracts that are operated on behalf of Leicestershire County Council must follow the contract conditions that are set out in the following documents:
For contracts that started before June 2016
For contracts starting from June 2016 to July 2020
Large Vehicle Framework BB3
Large Vehicle Off-Framework
For contracts starting from August 2020 to July 2022
For contracts starting from August 2022
Registering Drivers and Escorts
All Drivers and Escorts that are employed on Leicestershire County Council contracts must be registered with the council.
In order for them to be registered they must be assessed by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). To request further details, including an application form for a DBS check, please email transportDBS@leics.gov.uk Drivers and Escorts must apply for their DBS check and badge via their employer; applications from individuals will not be accepted.
On receipt of an appropriate DBS Assessment Certificate, Leicestershire County Council will review the certificate and issue an identification badge if deemed suitable.
Drivers and Escorts must display their identification badges at all times when working on Leicestershire County Council contracts.
Drivers and Escorts are advised to read the following guidelines:
Invoicing and payment
Completed invoices should be posted to:
Passenger Transport Services Team
Transport Operations Service
Environment and Transport Department
Leicestershire County Council
County Hall, Glenfield
Leicester, LE3 8RJ
Or hand delivered to the Leicestershire County Council Main Reception, please obtain a receipt. Electronic invoices will not be accepted.
Payments are generally made after 30 days following the receipt of a correct invoice.
The council does also operate a 14-day payment scheme, if you are interested in this, then please email TO@leics.gov.uk or see the Early Discount Payment Scheme for more information.
Payments may be delayed due to invoices either being incorrect or containing insufficient or unclear information. Operators are therefore advised to follow the council’s invoice guidance to ensure that payments are not unnecessarily delayed.
Please email TO@leics.gov.uk if you would like a copy of the council’s invoice template.