Scope
Reference
DN799484
Description
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) is preparing to implement bus franchising across the region, with the first franchised services scheduled to commence on 6 September 2026. As part of this transformation, LCRCA requires a robust, scalable and data-driven approach to contract management, payments and performance monitoring, with the system required to provide consistent, high-quality data across all operators, routes and reporting periods.
LCRCA requires a modern, cloud-based, fully auditable system that delivers end-to-end management of franchise contracts and ensures accurate, repeatable and reliable calculation of operator payments. The CMS and PPC (Payment Performance Calculator) must give LCRCA and franchise operators a clear, shared view of live performance, contractual obligations, lost mileage, variations, KPI outcomes and payment adjustments. The solution must reduce manual intervention, increase operational efficiency, and support the delivery of a consistent, region-wide performance framework that helps improve service quality, reliability and customer experience
Total value (estimated)
- £680,000 excluding VAT
- £816,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031
- Possible extension to 31 March 2033
- 7 years
Description of possible extension:
The Authority may request the extension of this agreement in respect of the whole (or part) of the Services and on the same terms for two periods of up to 12 months' each.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
Contract locations
- UKD7 - Merseyside
Participation
Technical ability conditions of participation
Conditions of participation are further described within the PSQ.
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
6 January 2026, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
12 January 2026, 11:00am
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
19 February 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | The Qualitative Evaluation is as fully detailed in the '4. BFR CMS Procurement - Qualitative Evaluation' document. This also states Pass / Fail Criteria in relation to Essential Non-Functional CMS PPC... |
Quality | 80% |
| Cost | To be stated within the issued '5. BFR CMS Procurement - Pricing Template'. |
Cost | 20% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNDZ-8253-CJJM
1 Mann Island
Liverpool
L3 1BP
United Kingdom
Region: UKD72 - Liverpool
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government