New process for public and school bus contracts

Orkney Islands Council is undertaking a two-stage process ahead of awarding school and public bus contracts for 2020-2025.

Tenders for the contracts will be invited next month. But before this, operators interested in running one or more of the routes need to apply to join a ‘framework’ of suppliers.

The ‘framework’ is a list of potential operators who have gone through a pre-approval process. Those that are approved will then be eligible to continue to the next stage and bid to run individual or multiple bus routes.

Applications should be made via the Public Contracts Scotland website https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAY353384 by 12:00 on Monday 3 June.

Naomi Bremner, the Council’s Transportation Manager, said: “We expect considerable interest from existing operators large and small, as well as from new operators including individuals, businesses and community groups.

“All are welcome to apply to join our ‘framework’ of potential suppliers of school and public bus services before invitations to tender for the routes are issued later in June.”

Business Gateway Orkney can provide guidance on the process involved in this. To get in touch phone 01856886666.

A Help and Support section is available on the Public Contracts Scotland website which includes contact information. The website’s customer services team can be phoned on 08002229003.

The Council’s new bus contracts will run from April 2020.