Qualifying Utilities Dynamic Market (QUDM) for the provision of Small Franchised Bus Services in the West Midlands - The West Midlands Franchising Scheme for Buses

This notice relates to a Qualifying Utilities Dynamic Market (the Dynamic Market) being established by the West Midlands Combined Authority (the WMCA) for its use and the use of any successor authorities, for the procurement of small franchised bus services in the West Midlands. The Invitation to Apply for Membership (the IAM) for the Dynamic Market is available at the link at the bottom of this notice.
The Dynamic Market is being established as part of the WMCA's bus franchising programme, under which the West Midlands bus network will transition from a deregulated system into public control. The franchising scheme has been made by the WMCA under the Transport Act 2000 (as amended). Under the franchising model, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) will specify routes, service standards and operational requirements, and procure small franchised bus services contracts and associated services competitively under the Dynamic Market (Small Franchised Bus Services).
The Dynamic Market is intended to create and maintain a pool of qualified suppliers eligible to participate in future procurements for Small Franchised Bus Services. It has been designed to support proportionate access to franchising opportunities for a broad range of operators, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs), special purpose vehicles (SPVs), consortia and larger operators. The Conditions of Membership are described in the Invitation to Apply for Membership (IAM).
The contracts to be procured under the Dynamic Market are public service bus contracts (classed as utilities service contracts). The general scope of services covers: (1) service delivery in accordance with the relevant contract requirements; (2) operational management and the provision of drivers and other operational staff; (3) vehicle provision, depot operations, maintenance and cleaning; (4) mobilisation activities; (5) integration with WMCA systems and the wider franchised...