Scope
Reference
WNC00000619
Description
West Northamptonshire Council is establishing a multiple-supplier Open Framework for the provision of Passenger Transport Services.
The Open Framework will be used to procure passenger transport services via Call-Off Contracts, including (but not limited to) home-to-school transport, adult social care transport, public transport support services, and other statutory or discretionary passenger transport requirements.
Services will include the provision of a wide range of vehicle types, from cars and minibuses to coaches, including wheelchair accessible vehicles and services requiring Passenger Assistants.
Admission to the Open Framework is assessed against minimum participation requirements only. There is no limit on the number of suppliers admitted. The process will be managed electronically using the SProc.Net platform. There is no guarantee of work or volume of work under the Framework.
Call-Off Contracts will be awarded during the Framework term either by further competition or, where permitted, by direct award, in accordance with the Framework rules and applicable Call-Off documentation.
Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Total value (estimated)
- £200,000,000 excluding VAT
- £240,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 13 May 2026 to 30 April 2030
- Possible extension to 30 April 2034
- 7 years, 11 months, 19 days
Description of possible extension:
Optional extension of up to 4 years.
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
The Open Framework allows for additional Call-Off Contracts to be awarded during its term and for extensions in accordance with the Framework conditions.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Contract locations
- UKF24 - West Northamptonshire
Justification for not using lots
The Authority has adopted a single-lot Open Framework with multiple service categories, reflecting how requirements are competed at call-off stage. This provides flexibility and allows suppliers, including SMEs, to participate only in the service categories they can deliver.
Framework
Open framework scheme end date (estimated)
30 April 2034
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
The Open Framework operates in two stages.
At the admission stage, suppliers submit tenders to demonstrate that they meet the Authority's minimum participation requirements.
Following admission, Call-Off Contracts will be awarded during the Framework term. Prices will be determined at Call-Off stage in accordance with the relevant Call-Off documentation.
Contracts may be awarded by further competition or, where permitted, by direct award. Full details are set out in the tender documents.
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
West Northamptonshire Council and, where permitted, Other Contracting Bodies located within West Northamptonshire and the surrounding region, including local authorities, education and care-related bodies, NHS and health organisations, and other public sector bodies delivering passenger transport or related services.
Contracting authority location restrictions
- UKF24 - West Northamptonshire
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
7 April 2026, 12:00pm
Submission type
Tenders
Tender submission deadline
20 April 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
https://www.adamproviders.co.uk/west-northamptonshire-council-passenger-transport-services-2026
Tenders must be submitted electronically via the SProc.Net e-sourcing portal at the web address provided. Suppliers must register on the portal in order to access the tender documentation and submit their tender. No other method of submission will be accepted.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
1 May 2026
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 1 November 2033
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Order of importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admission Criteria | Admission to the Open Framework will be assessed on a pass/fail basis against the Authority's minimum participation requirements. Award criteria for Call-Off Contracts, including price and/or quality,... |
Quality | 1 |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Competitive flexible procedure description
This procurement is being conducted using the Competitive Flexible Procedure to establish a multiple-supplier Open Framework.
The procedure comprises an initial single-stage admission process, in which suppliers are invited to submit tenders to demonstrate that they meet the Authority's minimum participation requirements.
All suppliers that meet the minimum requirements will be admitted to the Open Framework. There is no limit on the number of suppliers that may be admitted.
Following admission, Call-Off Contracts will be awarded during the Framework term either by further competition or, where permitted, by direct award.
Justification for not publishing a preliminary market engagement notice
Supplier engagement has been carried out and continues during the tender process to support supplier awareness and onboarding to the Open Framework.
This engagement is limited to explaining the procurement process, onboarding requirements, and use of the electronic system. It does not involve negotiation of the scope, entry criteria, or award methodology.
All relevant procurement information is published openly through the tender notice and procurement documents and is available to all suppliers on the same basis.
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://www.adamproviders.co.uk/west-northamptonshire-council-passenger-transport-services-2026
The full tender documentation, including the Invitation to Tender, Service Specification, Framework Agreement and associated appendices, is available via the SProc.Net e-sourcing portal at the link provided.
Contracting authority
West Northamptonshire Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGDV-8944-CMBP
Angel Street
Northampton
NN1 1ED
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@westnorthants.gov.uk
Website: https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/
Region: UKF24 - West Northamptonshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
Access UK Limited
Summary of their role in this procurement: WNC will use Access UK's SProc.Net IT solution to manage the electronic onboarding of suppliers and the administration of Call-Off opportunities under the Open Framework. Access UK provides the technical e-sourcing platform only and does not assess applications, evaluate tenders, make award decisions, or manage contracts on behalf of the Authority.
- Companies House: 02343760
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBNW-7697-HCPQ
Armstrong Building Oakwood Drive
Loughborough
LE11 3QF
United Kingdom
Email: servelec.lg.bids@theaccessgroup.com
Website: http://www.theaccessgroup.com
Region: UKF22 - Leicestershire CC and Rutland