Bedford Borough Council has a statutory duty to provide free home to school travel for compulsory school-aged children who meet nationally prescribed eligibility criteria and for post-16 students who meet locally determined criteria. To fulfil this duty, the Council commissions transport services from external providers using a range of vehicle types to meet the diverse needs of routes and individual passengers. In addition, the School and Specialist Transport Team arranges transport for a range of Adult and Children's Social Care requirements, including contact sessions, day services, and respite provision. To support the efficient and compliant procurement of these services, the Council is establishing a new Open Framework to replace the existing Passenger Transport Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). The procurement process will be conducted electronically through the ADAM eProcurement System, with approved providers being eligible to participate in future call-off opportunities under the Open Framework. The Open Framework will be divided into 6 Lots: Lot 1 Passenger transport services using vehicles with capacity for 1-3 passengers Lot 2 Passenger transport services using vehicles with capacity for 4-8 passengers Lot 3 Passenger transport services using vehicles with capacity for 9-16 passengers Lot 4 Passenger transport services using vehicles with capacity for 17-33 passengers Lot 5 Passenger transport services using vehicles with capacity for 49 or more passengers Lot 6 Medical Transport Services

Provision of passenger transport services for eligible children, young people and other authorised service users using vehicles with capacity for 1 to 3 passengers. Services may include home to school transport, transport to specialist educational settings, alternative provision, social care placements, medical appointments and other Council-approved destinations. Services shall be delivered in accordance with individual Call-Off Contract requirements and may include passenger assistance, safeguarding measures and reasonable adjustments to meet individual needs. Renewal: option to extend is available up to 5 years 8 months (until 30 November 2034) Options: The Open Framework will commence on 1 December 2026 and continue until 19 March 2029. The Council reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to extend the Open Framework on one or more occasions, provided that the total duration of the Open Framework, including all extensions, does not exceed eight (8) years from the commencement date. The Council will notify Framework Providers in writing where an extension is exercised. Route Service Agreements and other Call-Off Contracts awarded under the Open Framework may also be extended where the Open Framework is extended, provided that no Call-Off Contract continues beyond the expiry of the Open Framework. The Council also reserves the right, where permitted under the Procurement Act 2023 and as described within the procurement documents, to implement contract modifications including changes to routes, service specifications, passenger requirements, vehicle requirements, operating times, service scope, prices, payment arrangements and contract duration.

Provision of passenger transport services for eligible children, young people and other authorised service users using vehicles with capacity for 4 to 8 passengers. Services may include shared and dedicated transport arrangements for mainstream education, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), alternative provision, social care and other commissioned services. Transport shall be provided in accordance with route specifications and Call-Off Contract requirements issued by the Council. Renewal: option to extend is available up to 5 years 8 months (until 30 November 2034) Options: The Open Framework will commence on 1 December 2026 and continue until 19 March 2029. The Council reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to extend the Open Framework on one or more occasions, provided that the total duration of the Open Framework, including all extensions, does not exceed eight (8) years from the commencement date. The Council will notify Framework Providers in writing where an extension is exercised. Route Service Agreements and other Call-Off Contracts awarded under the Open Framework may also be extended where the Open Framework is extended, provided that no Call-Off Contract continues beyond the expiry of the Open Framework. The Council also reserves the right, where permitted under the Procurement Act 2023 and as described within the procurement documents, to implement contract modifications including changes to routes, service specifications, passenger requirements, vehicle requirements, operating times, service scope, prices, payment arrangements and contract duration.

Provision of passenger transport services using vehicles with capacity for 9 to 16 passengers. Services may include scheduled and ad hoc transport for children, young people and other authorised service users travelling to educational establishments, specialist settings, alternative provision, social care placements and other approved destinations. Services shall be provided in accordance with route specifications and service requirements set out in individual Call-Off Contracts. Renewal: option to extend is available up to 5 years 8 months (until 30 November 2034) Options: The Open Framework will commence on 1 December 2026 and continue until 19 March 2029. The Council reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to extend the Open Framework on one or more occasions, provided that the total duration of the Open Framework, including all extensions, does not exceed eight (8) years from the commencement date. The Council will notify Framework Providers in writing where an extension is exercised. Route Service Agreements and other Call-Off Contracts awarded under the Open Framework may also be extended where the Open Framework is extended, provided that no Call-Off Contract continues beyond the expiry of the Open Framework. The Council also reserves the right, where permitted under the Procurement Act 2023 and as described within the procurement documents, to implement contract modifications including changes to routes, service specifications, passenger requirements, vehicle requirements, operating times, service scope, prices, payment arrangements and contract duration.

Provision of passenger transport services using vehicles with capacity for 17 to 33 passengers. Services may include shared transport arrangements for pupils and other authorised service users travelling to mainstream schools, specialist educational settings, alternative provision and other approved destinations. Services shall be delivered in accordance with route specifications issued by the Council and the requirements of individual Call-Off Contracts. Renewal: option to extend is available up to 5 years 8 months (until 30 November 2034) Options: The Open Framework will commence on 1 December 2026 and continue until 19 March 2029. The Council reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to extend the Open Framework on one or more occasions, provided that the total duration of the Open Framework, including all extensions, does not exceed eight (8) years from the commencement date. The Council will notify Framework Providers in writing where an extension is exercised. Route Service Agreements and other Call-Off Contracts awarded under the Open Framework may also be extended where the Open Framework is extended, provided that no Call-Off Contract continues beyond the expiry of the Open Framework. The Council also reserves the right, where permitted under the Procurement Act 2023 and as described within the procurement documents, to implement contract modifications including changes to routes, service specifications, passenger requirements, vehicle requirements, operating times, service scope, prices, payment arrangements and contract duration.

Provision of passenger transport services using vehicles with capacity for 49 or more passengers. Services may include large-capacity transport for school pupils and other authorised service users travelling to educational establishments and other approved destinations. Services shall be provided in accordance with route specifications, performance requirements and Call-Off Contract terms issued by the Council. Renewal: option to extend is available up to 5 years 8 months (until 30 November 2034) Options: The Open Framework will commence on 1 December 2026 and continue until 19 March 2029. The Council reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to extend the Open Framework on one or more occasions, provided that the total duration of the Open Framework, including all extensions, does not exceed eight (8) years from the commencement date. The Council will notify Framework Providers in writing where an extension is exercised. Route Service Agreements and other Call-Off Contracts awarded under the Open Framework may also be extended where the Open Framework is extended, provided that no Call-Off Contract continues beyond the expiry of the Open Framework. The Council also reserves the right, where permitted under the Procurement Act 2023 and as described within the procurement documents, to implement contract modifications including changes to routes, service specifications, passenger requirements, vehicle requirements, operating times, service scope, prices, payment arrangements and contract duration.

Provision of non-emergency medical transport services for eligible service users travelling to and from healthcare facilities, treatment centres, clinics and other approved medical appointments. Services may be delivered using a range of vehicle types appropriate to the needs of the passenger and may include transport for individuals with mobility, accessibility or medical requirements. Services shall be provided in accordance with individual Call-Off Contract requirements, safeguarding obligations and applicable service standards. Renewal: option to extend is available up to 5 years 8 months (until 30 November 2034) Options: The Open Framework will commence on 1 December 2026 and continue until 19 March 2029. The Council reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to extend the Open Framework on one or more occasions, provided that the total duration of the Open Framework, including all extensions, does not exceed eight (8) years from the commencement date. The Council will notify Framework Providers in writing where an extension is exercised. Route Service Agreements and other Call-Off Contracts awarded under the Open Framework may also be extended where the Open Framework is extended, provided that no Call-Off Contract continues beyond the expiry of the Open Framework. The Council also reserves the right, where permitted under the Procurement Act 2023 and as described within the procurement documents, to implement contract modifications including changes to routes, service specifications, passenger requirements, vehicle requirements, operating times, service scope, prices, payment arrangements and contract duration.

Procurement Act 2023

Open procedure

This procurement establishes an Open Framework for the provision of School and Specialist Transport Services. There is no limit on the number of providers that may be admitted to the Framework, provided they satisfy the published admission requirements and evaluation criteria. The Framework will be reopened periodically during its term to allow additional providers to apply for admission. Providers admitted to the Framework may participate in future contract award procedures for transport services. Call-Off Contracts may be awarded either by Direct Award or through a Competitive Selection Process. Direct Awards may be made where this best meets the needs of the service user and may take account of factors including service continuity, SEND compatibility, safeguarding considerations, geographical location, vehicle suitability, operational capacity, urgent transport requirements, parent or carer preference, and best value considerations. Competitive Selection Processes may include mini-competitions, electronic auctions and reverse auctions conducted through the ADAM eProcurement System, with awards made on the basis of the Most Advantageous Tender. Prices for individual transport services will be determined at Call-Off stage. Depending on the nature of the requirement, pricing may be based on rates submitted during admission to the Framework, direct award arrangements, negotiated route-specific pricing, or prices submitted through mini-competitions, electronic auctions or reverse auctions. Route-specific prices will be set out in the relevant Route Service Agreement. The Council may review and amend prices in accordance with the Framework Agreement, Call-Off Contract provisions and applicable procurement legislation.

Bidders must register on the ADAM eProcurement System to access the procurement documents and submit a response. To register click on the link below. https://www.theaccessgroup.com/en-gb/health-social-care/software/commissioning-software/access-adam-providers-site/passenger-transport/

The tender submission deadline has been changed to 9 October 2026 at 7pm.