Scope
Description
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), employing approximately 5000 staff across two core sites. Dstl exists to supply the very best impartial scientific and technical research and advice to the MOD and other government departments. Dstl is committed to providing sustainable travel options to its employees under its Travel Plan, with the aim of reducing the number of single occupancy vehicles traveling to Dstl sites. Dstl has committed to provide Dstl staff with an accessible bus/coach service from agreed locations to its sites.
The current services are:
• Porchester - 21 journeys per day.
• Southsea - 4 Journeys per day.
• Porton Down - 9 Journeys per day.
Dstl requires a bus/coach service from agreed locations to its core sites as part of its commitment to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles travelling to Dstl sites.
The sites are as follows:
• Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JQ (3 Routes)
• Portsdown West, Fareham, Hampshire , PO17 6AD (2 Routes)
Total value (estimated)
- £1,700,000 excluding VAT
- £2,040,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2028
- Possible extension to 30 September 2030
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
Two firm priced option period of 12 months.
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Two firm priced option period of 12 months.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 63520000 - Transport agency services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
- UKK - South West (England)
- UKJ3 - Hampshire and Isle of Wight
- UKK15 - Wiltshire CC
Participation
This procurement is reserved for
Supported employment providers
Technical ability conditions of participation
The Supplier shall ensure that all their personnel vetting procedures comply with the British Standard, Security Screening of Individuals Employed in a Security Environment - BS7858:2019
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
31 March 2025
Enquiry deadline
21 April 2025, 11:59pm
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
21 April 2025, 11:59pm
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Suppliers to be invited to tender
Maximum 5 suppliers
Selection criteria:
Yes
Award decision date (estimated)
7 July 2025
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Competitive flexible procedure description
Dstl is seeking to run this tender exercise using the following processes;
1) Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) - Dstl will be looking to reduce the total number of tenderers to 5.
2) Invitation to Tender - This will be assessed using the Most Advantageous Tender (MAT) where suppliers will be asked to respond to a series of technical and social value questions and provide Dstl with a firm price to deliver the statement of requirements.
Noting this is subject to change and COP will be further clarified within the PSQ and Tender Notice.
Contracting authority
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDDM-1961-MTLN
Porton Down
Salisbury
SP4 0JQ
United Kingdom
Email: comrclfm&bss@dstl.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-science-and-technology-laboratory
Region: UKK15 - Wiltshire CC
Organisation type: Public authority - central government