Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
North Lanarkshire Council
Civic Centre, Windmillhill Street
Motherwell
ML1 1AB
corporateprocurement@northlan.gov.uk
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKM84 - North Lanarkshire
Internet address(es)
Main address
https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00010
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via
https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
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
Framework Agreement for Ad-Hoc Minibus and Coach Hire
Reference number
NLC-CPT-25-077
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 60172000 - Hire of buses and coaches with driver
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
North Lanarkshire Council (the “Council”) requires the provision of passenger transport services to supplement its existing arrangements managed by Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) for school pupil transport (drop-offs and pickups before and after the school day), and transport for pupils with Additional Support Needs (ASN).
To enable the delivery of critical / key service provision, the council intends to establish a multi-lot, multi-supplier framework agreement for minibus and coach hire services to provide ad-hoc passenger journeys, primarily for educational purposes but available for use by other Council departments.
Transport required via the framework agreement will be used for a variety of purposes, including (but not limited to) one-off day trips, educational visits, cultural excursions and short-term block bookings such as swimming lessons, sports training etc.
the framework agreement shall include the provision of appropriately sized and equipped vehicles, qualified drivers, and compliance with all relevant safety and safeguarding standards. Optional elements, such as enhanced accessibility features or additional vehicle capacities, may be considered or sought via the framework agreement but are not mandatory.
Further information on the Lots, including applied Sub-Lots is detailed below however it is anticipated that a maximum of seven (7) Contractors shall be appointed to each of the five (5) Lots of the framework agreement.
Full information on the Details of Requirements to be applied within the framework agreement are detailed in ITT Annex 1 available via PCS-Tender.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
Tenders may be submitted for all lots
Maximum number of lots that may be awarded to one tenderer: 5
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 1 – 4 to 16 Seat Vehicles (Excl .Driver)
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 60172000 - Hire of buses and coaches with driver
- 60100000 - Road transport services
- 60170000 - Hire of passenger transport vehicles with driver
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM84 - North Lanarkshire
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
In addition to the Description detailed above in this Contract Notice, Lot 1 of the framework agreement will comprise of vehicles with a passenger seating capacity of 4 – 16 seats.
Full information on the Details of Requirements, Lot approach etc. for the framework agreement is detailed in the tender pack, response envelopes etc. located in PCS-Tender
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Vehicles, Accessibility & Safety / Weighting: 10
Quality criterion - Name: Service Delivery & Mobilisation / Weighting: 10
Quality criterion - Name: Drivers, safeguarding & Incident Management / Weighting: 7
Quality criterion - Name: Continues Improvement / Weighting: 3
Quality criterion - Name: Carbon Reduction / Net Zero / Weighting: 3
Quality criterion - Name: Fair Work First / Weighting: 3
Quality criterion - Name: Community Benefits Methodology / Weighting: 2
Quality criterion - Name: Community Benefits Offering Menu / Weighting: 2
Price - Weighting: 60
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
48
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The framework agreement will be awarded for a maximum total period of 48 months. Following expiry of the framework agreement, the Council may elect to re-tender requirements.
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 2 – 17 to 34 Seat Vehicles (Excl .Driver)
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 60172000 - Hire of buses and coaches with driver
- 60100000 - Road transport services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM84 - North Lanarkshire
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
In addition to the Description detailed above in this Contract Notice, Lot 2 of the framework agreement will comprise of vehicles with a passenger seating capacity of 17 – 34 seats
Full information on the Details of Requirements, Lot approach etc. for the framework agreement is detailed in the tender pack, response envelopes etc. located in PCS-Tender
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Vehicles, Accessibility & Safety / Weighting: 10
Quality criterion - Name: Service Delivery & Mobilisation / Weighting: 10
Quality criterion - Name: Drivers, safeguarding & Incident Management / Weighting: 7
Quality criterion - Name: Continues Improvement / Weighting: 3
Quality criterion - Name: Carbon Reduction / Net Zero / Weighting: 3
Quality criterion - Name: Fair Work First / Weighting: 3
Quality criterion - Name: Community Benefits Methodology / Weighting: 2
Quality criterion - Name: Community Benefits Offering Menu / Weighting: 2
Price - Weighting: 60
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
48
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The framework agreement will be awarded for a maximum total period of 48 months. Following expiry of the framework agreement, the Council may elect to re-tender requirements.
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 3 – 35 to 53 Seat Vehicles (Excl .Driver)
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 60172000 - Hire of buses and coaches with driver
- 60100000 - Road transport services
- 60170000 - Hire of passenger transport vehicles with driver
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM84 - North Lanarkshire
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
In addition to the Description detailed above in this Contract Notice, Lot 3 of the framework agreement will comprise of vehicles with a passenger seating capacity of 35 – 53 seats
Full information on the Details of Requirements, Lot approach etc. for the framework agreement is detailed in the tender pack, response envelopes etc. located in PCS-Tender
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Vehicles, Accessibility & Safety / Weighting: 10
Quality criterion - Name: Service Delivery & Mobilisation / Weighting: 10
Quality criterion - Name: Drivers, Safeguarding & Incident Management / Weighting: 7
Quality criterion - Name: Continues Improvement / Weighting: 3
Quality criterion - Name: Carbon Reduction / Net Zero / Weighting: 3
Quality criterion - Name: Fair Work First / Weighting: 3
Quality criterion - Name: Community Benefits Methodology / Weighting: 2
Quality criterion - Name: Community Benefits Offering Menu / Weighting: 2
Price - Weighting: 60
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
48
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The framework agreement will be awarded for a maximum total period of 48 months. Following expiry of the framework agreement, the Council may elect to re-tender requirements.
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 4 – 54 to 69 Seat Vehicles (Excl .Driver)
Lot No
4
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 60172000 - Hire of buses and coaches with driver
- 60100000 - Road transport services
- 60170000 - Hire of passenger transport vehicles with driver
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM84 - North Lanarkshire
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
In addition to the Description detailed above in this Contract Notice, Lot 4 of the framework agreement will comprise of vehicles with a passenger seating capacity of 54 – 69 seats
Full information on the Details of Requirements, Lot approach etc. for the framework agreement is detailed in the tender pack, response envelopes etc. located in PCS-Tender
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Vehicles, Accessibility & Safety / Weighting: 10
Quality criterion - Name: Service Delivery & Mobilisation / Weighting: 10
Quality criterion - Name: Drivers, Safeguarding & Incident Management / Weighting: 7
Quality criterion - Name: Continues Improvement / Weighting: 3
Quality criterion - Name: Carbon Reduction / Net Zero / Weighting: 3
Quality criterion - Name: Fair Work First / Weighting: 3
Quality criterion - Name: Community Benefits Methodology / Weighting: 2
Quality criterion - Name: Community Benefits Offering Menu / Weighting: 2
Price - Weighting: 60
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
48
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The framework agreement will be awarded for a maximum total period of 48 months. Following expiry of the framework agreement, the Council may elect to re-tender requirements.
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 5 – 70+ Seat Vehicles (Excl .Driver)
Lot No
5
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 60172000 - Hire of buses and coaches with driver
- 60100000 - Road transport services
- 60170000 - Hire of passenger transport vehicles with driver
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM84 - North Lanarkshire
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
In addition to the Description detailed above in this Contract Notice, Lot 5 of the framework agreement will comprise of vehicles with a passenger seating capacity of 70 seat or more.
Full information on the Details of Requirements, Lot approach etc. for the framework agreement is detailed in the tender pack, response envelopes etc. located in PCS-Tender
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Vehicles, Accessibility & Safety / Weighting: 10
Quality criterion - Name: Service Delivery & Mobilisation / Weighting: 10
Quality criterion - Name: Drivers, Safeguarding & Incident Management / Weighting: 7
Quality criterion - Name: Continues Improvement / Weighting: 3
Quality criterion - Name: Carbon Reduction / Net Zero / Weighting: 3
Quality criterion - Name: Fair Work First / Weighting: 3
Quality criterion - Name: Community Benefits Methodology / Weighting: 2
Quality criterion - Name: Community Benefits Offering Menu / Weighting: 2
Price - Weighting: 60
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
48
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The framework agreement will be awarded for a maximum total period of 48 months. Following expiry of the framework agreement, the Council may elect to re-tender requirements.
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
Section three. Legal, economic, financial and technical information
three.1) Conditions for participation
three.1.2) Economic and financial standing
Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents
three.1.3) Technical and professional ability
Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents
three.2) Conditions related to the contract
three.2.1) Information about a particular profession
Execution of the service is reserved to a particular profession
Reference to the relevant law, regulation or administrative provision
To ensure compliance with statutory obligations and to safeguard the Council and Service Users, all Contractors must hold a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Operator’s Licence (or suitable acceptable equivalent) issued by the relevant regulatory authority e.g., the Traffic Commissioner.
The Contractors PSV Operations Licence must cover the type and size of vehicles proposed for use under this Framework Agreement.
three.2.2) Contract performance conditions
Further information on contract performance conditions is located within Annex 7 of the ITT document within the PCS-Tender System.
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
four.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement
Framework agreement with several operators
Envisaged maximum number of participants to the framework agreement: 35
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: 2025/S 000-057624
four.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date
3 December 2025
Local time
12:00pm
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: 5 (from the date stated for receipt of tender)
four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date
3 December 2025
Local time
12:00pm
Information about authorised persons and opening procedure
Tenders received will be opened in accordance with condition 18.5 of the Councils General Contract Standing Orders. Date and time of the Opening of Tenders (as stated above) is subject to change at the Councils sole discretion.
Section six. Complementary information
six.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement: Yes
Estimated timing for further notices to be published: The framework agreement will be awarded for a maximum total period of 48 months. Following expiry of the framework agreement, the Council may elect to re-tender requirements.
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
Tenderers must complete the SPD (Scotland) within the Qualification Envelope of the PCS Tender. Full Selection criteria is as stated in the procurement documents
All Tenderers must complete the required Qualification and Technical Envelope applicable to all Lots, and Sub-Lots they are bidding for within the PCS-Tender as instructed.
Late Tenders will not be considered under any circumstances. For the avoidance of any doubt, automated messages confirming receipt of a Tender should not be taken to imply acceptance of it by the Council. The Council will not provide additional notification to any Bidder of the rejection of a late Tender.
The complete Tender (complete with SPD (Scotland)) should be submitted in accordance with the instructions detailed in PCS-Tender.
The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 30454. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343
Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/
A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows:
Tenderers should refer to Annex 2 of the ITT Document located within the PCS-Tender for further information on the Councils Community Benefit expectations within the framework agreement.
(SC Ref:814127)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Scottish Courts
Edinburgh
Country
United Kingdom
six.4.3) Review procedure
Precise information on deadline(s) for review procedures
An economic operator that suffers, or is at risk of suffering, loss or damage attributable to a breach of duty under the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 or the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, may bring proceedings in the Sheriff Court or the Court of Session.