Supported Bus Services

Cumberland Council is procuring a contract for Supported Bus Services for suitably qualified bus operators to run routes on behalf of Cumberland Council.
The council proposes to enter into the contract for an initial term of 12 months with the successful tenderer.
There are 2 optional extension periods available of 12 months each.
Use of these extension periods is at the absolute discretion of the council.
If the contract runs for the initial term only it will end on 01st November 2027. The overall contract value is £2,709,796 excluding VAT.
If the council implements all of the optional extension periods, the contract would end on 01st November 2029.
If the council implements an extension or uplift, this will be confirmed in writing to the successful supplier in advance.
If the services to be provided are VAT exempt then VAT cannot be charged by the successful supplier.
The Council is tendering 15 individual routes. This approach is intended to encourage competition and enable operators to bid for the routes they can deliver most effectively and efficiently. No cap has been applied to the number of routes that may be awarded to any one supplier in order to maximise value for money and operational efficiency.
In accordance with the information set out above, the Council is seeking to award up to 15 contracts.
The Council reserves the right to not make an award at all,
For further details and to access the tender documents use the council's online procurement portal, The Chest https://www.the-chest.org.uk
You must be registered on The Chest to be able to view the opportunity and submit a tender. Registration is simple and free on the above link.
Ensure you read and understand the Invitation to Tender (ITT) and all of its appendices before completing the tender documents.
Any clarification questions must be sent to the council via messaging on The Chest by the deadline stated in the ITT.
All bids must be received electronically via The Chest by the deadline stated...