Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
South Lanarkshire Council
Council Headquarters, Almada Street,
Hamilton
ML3 0AA
Contact
Louise McNaught
louise.mcnaught@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
Telephone
+44 1698454353
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKM95 - South Lanarkshire
Internet address(es)
Main address
http://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00410
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
one.5) Main activity
General public services
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Passenger Transport Services DPS
Reference number
SLC/ED/23/019
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 60120000 - Taxi services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
The Council is obligated under Section 51 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 (as amended) and the Education Additional Support for Learning Act (Scotland) 2004 to make such arrangements as considered necessary for the provision of School Transport for pupils residing in the Education Authority area to facilitate attendance at designated establishments/schools. The Council also wishes to incorporate other general taxi requirements under the same contractual umbrella, including but not limited to those for Social Work Resources and Employability.
In this regard, Education and Social Work Resources require to let contract(s) for transportation of service users to identified establishments. These services are being procured in accordance with the EU Regulations, and the Council's Standing Orders on Contracts.
There is no intention to limit the number of service providers on the DPS. In initial stage, all service providers that meet the selection criteria and are not excluded will be admitted to the DPS. The DPS will remain open to new applicants during it’s period of validity.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £99,531,097
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
Tenders may be submitted for all lots
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Standard transport requirements for children and protected adults
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 60120000 - Taxi services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM95 - South Lanarkshire
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This includes the transport of children and protected adults with additional support needs including autistic spectrum conditions and / or medical requirements and the transport of children as required by the Council’s Family, Children and Adult Services within Social Work Resources as well as mainstream inter-school transfers where required.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Quality / Weighting: 10-30
Price - Weighting: 70-90
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
60
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The DPS is for 5 years with SLC option to extend by 3 + 2 years at the discretion of SLC subject to satisfactory performance, financial standing and availability of funding
two.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
Envisaged minimum number: 5
Objective criteria for choosing the limited number of candidates:
There is no limit to the number of Contractors that will be appointed to the DPS.
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2.14) Additional information
This procurement will be run as a Dynamic Purchasing System, which will remain open to new entrants for the full term. All future contract opportunities will be issued as fully electronic mini-competitions within the Lots on the DPS.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Standard transport requirements for children and protected adults
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 60120000 - Taxi services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM95 - South Lanarkshire
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This includes the transport of children and protected adults with complex additional support needs including social, emotional, behavioural and autistic spectrum conditions.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Quality / Weighting: 10-30
Price - Weighting: 70-90
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
60
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
This DPS is for 5 years with SLC option to extend by 3 + 2 years at the discretion of SLC subject to satisfactory performance, financial standing and availability of funding
two.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
Envisaged minimum number: 5
Objective criteria for choosing the limited number of candidates:
There is no limit to the number of Contractors that will be appointed to the DPS
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2.14) Additional information
This procurement will be run as a Dynamic Purchasing System, which will remain open to new entrants for the full term. All future contract opportunities will be issued as fully electronic mini-competitions within the Lots on the DPS.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Transport for children/protected adults with complex medical needs
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 60120000 - Taxi services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM95 - South Lanarkshire
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This includes the transport of children and protected adults with complex medical conditions and may require the driver and passenger assistant to attend specialised NHS Lanarkshire training specific to the passenger’s medical condition. Providers may also be required to procure specialist insurance depending on the complexity of the medical condition.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Quality / Weighting: 10-30
Price - Weighting: 70-90
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
60
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
This DPS is for 5 years with SLC option to extend by 3 + 2 years at the discretion of SLC subject to satisfactory performance, financial standing and availability of funding.
two.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
Envisaged minimum number: 5
Objective criteria for choosing the limited number of candidates:
There is no limit to the number of Contractors that will be appointed to the DPS.
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2.14) Additional information
This procurement will be run as a Dynamic Purchasing System, which will remain open to new entrants for the full term. All future contract opportunities will be issued as fully electronic mini-competitions within the Lots on the DPS.
Section three. Legal, economic, financial and technical information
three.1) Conditions for participation
three.1.1) Suitability to pursue the professional activity, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers
List and brief description of conditions
SPD Question 2.C.1 Reliance on the capacities of other entities
Applicants are required to complete a full SPD for each of the entities whose capacity they rely upon.
SPD Question 2.D.1 Subcontractors on whose capacity the bidder does not rely
Applicants are required to complete a shortened version of the SPD for each Subcontractor on whose capacity the applicant does not rely on.
Exclusion Criteria
Economic operators may be excluded from this procurement if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
SPD Questions 3A – 3C have been identified as mandatory exclusion grounds and SPD Questions 3D have been identified as discretionary exclusion grounds. All the exclusion grounds will be assessed on a PASS/FAIL basis. For the mandatory exclusion grounds an application will be excluded where the applicant fails to provide either a positive response or to provide details to the satisfaction of the Council of the self cleansing measures undertaken. For the discretionary exclusion grounds an application may be excluded where the applicant fails to provide either a positive response or if the Council is not satisfied as to the self cleansing measures undertaken.
SPD Questions 3A.1 to 3A.8 Serious and Organised Crime – Information Sharing Protocol
It is a requirement of this tender that the bidder recommended for appointment completes and submits, when requested to by the Council, the Serious and Organised Crime – Information Sharing Protocol form.
SPD Question 4A.1 Trade Registers
It is a requirement of this DPS that if the applicant is UK based they must hold a valid registration with Companies House. Where the applicant is UK based but not registered at Companies House they must be able to verify to the Councils satisfaction that they are trading from the address provided in the tender and under the company name given. If the applicant is based out-with the UK they must be enrolled in the relevant professional or trade register appropriate to their country as described in Schedule 5 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
SPD Question 4A.2 Authorisation/Membership
Where it is required, within an applicant’s country of establishment they must confirm which authorisation or memberships of the relevant organisation(s) are required in order to perform this service.
All those delivering the services under this DPS must hold the licences or permits appropriate to the types and seating capacity of the vehicles being used by them. Namely;
- A valid UK driving licence appropriate to the type of vehicle being driven
- A PSV operators licence; or
- A Taxi Operator or Private Hire Car Operator Licence
- a Taxi Driver or Private Hire Car Driver Licence
Applicants must confirm if they hold the particular authorisation or memberships.
three.1.2) Economic and financial standing
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required
SPD Question 4B.5 Insurance
The applicant must confirm that they have or will commit to obtain prior to the commencement of the contract, the following levels of Insurance Cover:
Q 4B.5.1b Employer’s Liability Insurance covering the death of or bodily injuries to employees of the bidder arising out of and in the course of their employment in connection with this contract to the level of 10000000 GBP in respect of each claim, without limit to the number of claims.
Q 4B.5.2 Public Liability Insurance covering the death of or bodily injury to a person (not an employee of the bidder) or loss of or damage to property resulting from an action or failure to take action by the bidder to the level of 5000000 GBP in respect of each claim, without limit to the number of claims.
For Q 4B.5.2 Please answer for Public Liability Insurance detailed above.
Other Insurance:
Type: Motor Vehicle Insurance including cover for Hire and Reward
three.1.3) Technical and professional ability
List and brief description of selection criteria
SPD Question 4C.1.2 Technical and Professional Ability
With reference to the nature and details of the services to be supplied under the DPS Lots, 3 relevant examples, of a similar size and nature, are to be provided of the services delivered by the applicant.
If multiple Lots are being applied for, please provide 3 examples of experience for each Lot being applied for.
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required
SPD Question 4C.6 Technical and Professional Ability (Qualifications)
It is a mandatory requirement of this tender that the bidders, including drivers and passenger assistants recommended for appointment holds the appropriate Disclosure/PVG scheme records relevant to the types of regulated work for children and/or protected adults being carried out by them under the DPS.
SPD Question 4C.10 Technical and Professional Ability (Sub-Contracting)
Bidders will be required to confirm whether they intend to subcontract and, if so, for what proportion of the contract.
three.2) Conditions related to the contract
three.2.2) Contract performance conditions
Please refer to the Performance Appraisal document within the PQQ.
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Restricted procedure
four.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system
The procurement involves the setting up of a dynamic purchasing system
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number: 2024/S 000-036447
four.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date
10 March 2025
Local time
12:00pm
four.2.3) Estimated date of dispatch of invitations to tender or to participate to selected candidates
28 March 2025
four.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
English
four.2.6) Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender
Duration in months: 6 (from the date stated for receipt of tender)
Section six. Complementary information
six.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement: Yes
Estimated timing for further notices to be published: This DPS is for 5 years with SLC option to extend by 3 + 2 years at the discretion of SLC subject to satisfactory performance, financial standing and availability of funding.
six.2) Information about electronic workflows
Electronic ordering will be used
Electronic invoicing will be accepted
Electronic payment will be used
six.3) Additional information
Declarations and Certificates
The applicants recommended to join the DPS will provide the undernoted certificates, declarations and/or completed questionnaires to evidence their compliance with the relevant questions within the Qualification Envelope. All certificates, declarations and questionnaires can be found within the Attachment area of PCS-T.
SPD Question 2D.1 Prompt Payment Certificate
SPD Question 3D.3 Human Rights Act Declaration
SPD Question 3D.11 Non-Collusion Certificate
SPD Question 4B.5.1 Insurance Certificates
SPD Questions 3A.1 to 3A.8 Serious and Organised Crime Declaration
SPD Questions 3A1 to 3A.8 Serious and Organised Crime – Information Sharing Protocol with Police Scotland Form
SPD Question 4C.6 Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act Declaration
SPD Question 3A.6 Modern Slavery Act 2015 Declaration
Declaration Section Signatory Page
SPD Questions 3A.1 to 3A.8 Serious and Organised Crime – Information Sharing Protocol
It is a requirement of this tender that the bidder recommended for appointment completes and submits, when requested to by the Council, the Serious and Organised Crime – Information Sharing Protocol form.
Financial Status of Applicants
The Council may, at any time during the life of the DPS request financial accounts from Applicants appointed to the DPS to review their financial standing as set out Attachment 4 DPS Agreement Passenger Transport Services.
To allow the Council to review an Applicant’s financial standing, Applicants should submit the relevant documents outlined in: 1. Historical Financial Position and 2. Current /future cash flow position. These documents should be uploaded within the General Attachments area of PCS-T.
The Council will use the following ratios to evaluate appointed Applicants’ financial status:
1 Profitability – this is taken as profit after tax but before dividends and minority interests. If a company makes a profit then it is a pass for this ratio;
2 Liquidity – this is calculated as current assets less stock and work in progress, divided by current liabilities. If the answer is greater than or equal to one then it is a pass for this ratio;
3 Gearing – this is calculated as the total external secured borrowing (short term and long term) divided by shareholder funds expressed as a percentage. If the answer is less than or equal to 100% it is considered a pass for this ratio.
Applicants must provide the name and value of the 3 ratios within Attachment 11 entitled Financial Ratio Calculation. This document should be uploaded within the General Attachments area of PCS-T.
Where 2 out of the 3 ratios cannot be met, the Council may when assessing financial viability and the risk to the Council take account of mitigating factors proposed by an appointed Applicant provided that the appointed Applicant can substantiate any of the proposed mitigating factors. Appointed Applicants are asked to submit a range of evidence. This information will be used to assess appointed applicants’ financial capability.
The evidence will cover:
1. Historical financial position; and
2.Current /future cash flow position
Further information on the financial documentation an applicant must submit can be found in Attachment 3 entitled Financial Status of Applicants within the General Attachments area of PCS-T.
The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this PQQ exercise. The Project code is 6557. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343
A sub-contract clause has been included in this contract. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2363
The Contracting Authority does not intend to include any community benefit requirements in this contract for the following reason:
No Community Benefits required at appointment to DPS stage.
(SC Ref:790067)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Hamilton Sheriff Court
Sheriff Court House, 4 Beckford Street
Hamilton
ML3 0BT
hamiltoncivil@scotcourts.gov.uk
Telephone
+44 1698282957
Country
United Kingdom
six.4.3) Review procedure
Precise information on deadline(s) for review procedures
Please note, the alternative review body to the local Sheriff Court detailed in VI.4.1 is:
Court of Session
Parliament House
Parliament Square
Edinburgh
EH1 1RQ
+44 1312252595