Taxi firms tendering for contracts

Applications are now open to be considered for our new Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) opportunity.

How to apply

All interested providers are invited to apply via our e-tendering platform PAN3059 - Passenger Transport Services DPS (due-north.com).

The initial round of applications closes on 3rd June 2024. Thereafter, further applications will be accepted at any point from the PAN3059 Commencement Date and until its expiry on 31 December 2027.

For avoidance of doubt, any of the Council’s current Providers (PAN2598) will not be automatically transferred onto the new DPS and must apply to join the replacement DPS.

Applications are welcome from all suitable Providers and not limited those already working with the Council.

Only Providers who successfully joined the DPS will be invited to take part in Mini-Competitions for contracts (quote for journeys).

Passenger Transport DPS

Since April 2022, the Council has been procuring its taxi journeys using a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). This is similar to a framework agreement, whereby upon satisfying the criteria started, a Provider is added to the list and invited to bid for Council’s contracts. Unlike a framework, a DPS allows for new Providers to apply to join at any point during its term.

There is no limit on the number of Providers that can be admitted onto the DPS. Providers whose application (RTP) was unsuccessful, may apply again at any point during the term of this DPS.

The new PAN3059 DPS is split into two categories:

• Category 1: General Passenger Transport Provision
• Category 2: Specialist Passenger Transport Provision

Invitations to Tender (ITT) are issued via a web-based portal. All DPS Providers are automatically added to Mini-Competitions. The ITT document will detail exact requirements of the journey.

E-tendering Portal

Both applications to join the DPS (known as RTP – request to participate) and subsequent Mini-Competitions (process of quoting for journeys once admitted onto the DPS) are managed via the Council’s e-tendering portal. This allows us to ensure fairness and transparency, as well as a full audit trail.

If you are new to this platform, you can register for free.

For more information on how to use the portal, please see ProContract Version3 Help (due-north.com) 

If after accessing the above guidance line, you are still unable to resolve your system related issue and require support please contact EastMids Tenders Technical Support by email: procontractsuppliers@proactis.com or telephone: 0330 005 0352 (lines open from 8.30am - 5pm Monday to Friday, excluding English public holidays).

Please note the Technical Support Team will not be able to answer any contract opportunity specific enquiries.

Before you submit your bid

There are a number of factors to consider when completing the form:

• Consider your bid price. Remember that a bid of £9.99 per day beats one for £10
• Provide specific details relating to the tender. Do not use shortcuts such as ‘same as last time’ or ‘the usual vehicle’
• Some tenders are complex. If you are unsure of anything, then raiser a query via messaging facility on the portal.
• Complete all sections of the form. Incomplete tenders are likely to be rejected.

Winning bids

We will publish details of the relevant contracts awarded under this DPS. This is to comply with transparency requirements.