Tendering for mainstream, SEN and social care transport 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).
Most of these tenders are undertaken by email or eAuction, please see section below for further information on eAuctions. Currently only those operators that are included on the council’s Large Vehicle DPS (BB4) are able to tender.
The BB4 Dynamic Purchasing System is currently in place from 27 July 2020 onwards.
Please note: Leicestershire County Council does not maintain an 'approved list' of transport suppliers.
The transport suppliers listed in the link above is a record of suppliers who have successfully applied for the BB4 Large Vehicle DPS. This list should not be regarded as an endorsement or recommendation by Leicestershire County Council for these suppliers.
If you're considering using any of these suppliers, then it is your responsibility to undertake your own independent checks and vetting, prior to engaging their services. Leicestershire County Council will not accept any responsibility or liability for arrangements made directly with these suppliers.
All suppliers must apply to join the DPS BB4 in order to receive details of contract work from July 2020. If you’re interested, please read and follow the guidance in the document below.
Tendering for Local Bus Service contracts
All operators with the appropriate licences that are registered with the council will be able to tender for Local Bus Service contracts. Most of these tenders are undertaken through a web-based tendering portal.
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 onwards
Large Vehicle DPS BB4
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:
Large vehicle eAuctions
All operators that are on the current Large Vehicle DPS will receive email invitations to participate in future electronic auctions (eAuctions). To take part, they will need to accept the invitation.
In addition to the guidance and contract conditions set out in the Large Vehicle DPS, all contracts that are tendered and let through eAuctions are also subject to the following guidelines and supporting documents:
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.