Scope
Reference
PA0014 - 1
Description
Suffolk County Council is conducting Preliminary Market Engagement ahead of the procurement of the Independent Travel Training service. Training is provided to members of the public who reside in Suffolk, to teach them how to use public transport safely and independently. The service is for clients with disabilities, mental health and learning needs. The clients gain a valuable life skill, which in turns aims to reduce the future demand on council transport services.
Please note that a pipeline notice relating to this procurement has previously been published Notice identifier 2025/S 000-025545.
Total value (estimated)
- £2,527,000 excluding VAT
- £3,032,400 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2031
- Possible extension to 30 September 2033
- 7 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80000000 - Education and training services
Contract locations
- UKH14 - Suffolk
Engagement
Engagement deadline
8 January 2026
Engagement process description
To support our procurement activity and develop the scope and specification of the contract, we are undertaking Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) to help Suffolk County Council:
1) Identify potential Independent Travel Training providers and their intention to bid.
2) Help shape the service specification and improve the future delivery of the service, including a move to an SCC provided Travel Training referral system.
3) Understand potential barriers for SMEs and opportunities to minimise some of these barriers.
4) Bidding considerations including TUPE.
5) Understand providers' views on the proposed pricing model.
Suffolk County Council propose to hold informal sessions with interested parties via Microsoft Teams, the dates for these sessions are:
17th December 2025
6th January 2026
7th January 2026
Interested parties are requested to email transporttraveltraining@suffolk.gov.uk to arrange a meeting.
We would also encourage providers who are interested in this opportunity to register for the new Central Digital Platform, following the guidance at the following web address:
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
26 January 2026
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Suffolk County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHVH-1657-HHMV
Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road
Ipswich
IP1 2BX
United Kingdom
Region: UKH14 - Suffolk
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government