Purpose

To approve a extension to the Dynamic
Purchasing System (DPS) for Home to School and Public
Transport.

Decision

That:
The Cabinet Member
for Transport and Infrastructureagree to extend the current
Passenger Transport Dynamic Purchasing
System (DPS) for Home to School,
SEND and commercial transport services from its current expiry of
10 June 2026 to 10
December 2027, with a view to developing a new procurement and
contract under the new Procurement Act 2023 for transport
services.
 

Alternative options considered

1.             
The option not to extend the DPS and end the
arrangement in June 2026, was not considered an appropriate option.
Establishing a new procurement process/framework of this scale
requires significant time, and under the new Procurement Act
legislation 2023 we must fully assess all options available to
develop an effective model.
2.             
Continuing
with the current DPS is the most suitable interim option. It
supports operating teams in meeting statutory transport requests
quickly while ensuring passenger needs and best value. This
short-term approach of extending the DPS provides the best value
for money whist strategic planning and development work is
completed to tackle the growing demand and cost pressures of
passenger transport. We will continue to use the DPS to drive a
competitive marketplace, along with quality of service for
passengers, delivering best value possible. With around 100
approved suppliers, the framework maintains market competition and
broad operator coverage.
3.             
We will
collaborate with procurement and legal colleagues to review
available options and their suitability for different contract
types (regular, ad-hoc, above and below threshold). An options
appraisal will inform the future business case, alongside supplier
engagement. This will be taken through the relevant decision
process to seek agreement.