Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for local, school and ad hoc bus and coach services operated by PSVs

What this is

Fife Council is establishing a Dynamic Purchasing System for local bus, home-to-school, and ad hoc bus and coach services operated by Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence holders across Fife. The DPS runs for 10 years with mini-competitions for all admitted operators. Award criteria are indicatively 90% price and 10% quality for local/school services, with price as the key factor for ad hoc hires. Estimated total value is £150 million.

Key points

• PSV Operator's Licence (SI, SN, R, or SR) is mandatory to join the DPS
• Indicative award criteria: 90% price / 10% quality; price primary for ad hoc hires
• DPS deadline: 7 November 2029 at 09:00; estimated value £150 million

Who can bid

Must hold UK PSV Operator's Licence (SI, SN, R or SR). Current ratio 1.0 or above (2 years accounts). Employer's Liability £10m, Public Liability £5m. Operators may join at any point during DPS lifetime if selection criteria are met. Council reserves right to limit contracts awarded to operators of insufficient financial capacity.

How it is scored

Quality 10% · Price 90% Indicatively 90% price / 10% quality for local and school bus services; quality criteria may include workforce, community benefits, contingency planning. Price is the primary factor for ad hoc hires. All weightings given in individual mini-competition documents. Variants and options may be allowed if specified in tender documents.

Money

Estimated total DPS value £150,000,000 excluding VAT over 10 years. Council may limit awards to individual bidders where financial capacity is insufficient. Electronic ordering, invoicing and payment used.

How to submit

Applications via PCS-Tender or equivalent Scottish Government system. Contact: Sarah Cutler, sarah.cutler@fife.gov.uk, Tel: +44 3451550000. All admitted operators invited to each mini-competition.

Clarifications

Via PCS-Tender portal. Contact: sarah.cutler@fife.gov.uk.

Contract period

DPS duration 10 years (120 months) to November 2029. Local and school bus contracts anticipated to be 4 years. Ad hoc contracts are one-off requirements. Contracts awarded before DPS end date may run beyond it.

Classification

CPV 60112000 — Public road transport services ScotlandFife