Purpose

On 29 May 2024 Cabinet approved the
establishment of a Flexible Purchasing System to award new
contracts for SEND Transport work from 1 September 2024 (Decision
No.56/24(4) refers).

As detailed above Cabinet further authorised additional actions to
enable the award of Call-Off contracts through the established
FPS.

On 5 June 2024 a new FPS to award new contracts for SEND Transport
work from 1 September 2024 was established with the publication of
an Invitation to Tender to prospective Framework Suppliers
(economic operators / providers).

A clarification period for applicants was set with a closing date
of 28 June 2024. In total 18 clarification points were submitted
and responded to.

The tender submission closing date was set as 3.00pm on 5 July
2024.

26 tender submissions were received on time.

All tender submissions received have been evaluated on a pass /
fail basis.

10 tender submissions have failed the selection criteria. Detailed
feedback will be provided to those operators / providers, with the
opportunity to also meet with representatives of the Children and
Education Directorate.

It is recommended that the 16 economic operators / providers as
listed in paragraph (1) above, who have met the selection criteria
to be appointed, are approved for admission onto the FPS, and
letters of ‘Notification of Intention to Award’ are
issued to them.

In accordance with good practice and Procurement Rules and
Regulations, following issue of the ‘Notification of
Intention to Award’ letters, an immediate 10 day standstill
period will be held.

Upon conclusion of the standstill period mini competitions will
immediately be conducted for SEND Transport work to commence with
effect from 1 September 2024.

Content

That approval be given to:

(1) issue letters of ‘Notification of Intention to
Award’ to the following proposed Suppliers, who have met the
selection criteria to be appointed to the Flexible Purchasing
System framework (SMBC 23055):
121 Carz Ltd
247 Cars Willenhall Ltd
BCC Passenger Transport Ltd
Carolean Coaches Ltd
City Cars (Midlands) Ltd
County Cars (203) Ltd
Droach Travel
Egans Coach Travel Ltd
Five Star Taxis & Minibuses
Green Destinations Ltd
Hotline Cars Ltd
JPC Travel Solutions
North Birmingham Travel Ltd
One 4 You Services Ltd
Skyways Executive Travel
TNS Travel Ltd

(2) proceed to invite tenders, for award and sign off, Call-Off
contracts through the Flexible Procurement System;

(3) amend the rules applicable to the Flexible Procurement System,
including any specification or terms and conditions of Call-Off
contract applicable to the Flexible Procurement System generally;
and

(4) agree amendments to, to exercise extension rights under, to
terminate in full or part and to grant any waiver, consent or
relief (or similar to any of these actions) in connection with any
Call-Off contract which the Council awards under the Flexible
Procurement System.