Published date: 28 November 2025

Open early engagement - This means that a procurement idea is currently active, it is in the early stage of development and judging interest from potential suppliers.


Closing date: 8 December 2025

Contract summary

Industry

  • Minibuses - 34114400

  • Motor vehicles for the transport of fewer than 10 persons - 34115200

  • Motor vehicles for the transport of 10 or more persons - 34120000

    • Hire of passenger transport vehicles with driver - 60170000

Location of contract

East of England

Procurement reference

PURCON 5069 PME

Published date

28 November 2025

Closing date

8 December 2025

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No


Description

The University of East Anglia have a requirement for the transportation of Students, Faculty Staff, Guests, Sports Teams and Business professionals throughout the academic year, to a number of local and national destinations.

The UEA intend to award a framework contract composed of two lots, coach and minibus, and we expect around 5 suppliers per lot. Suppliers can be awarded a place in both lots.

The purpose of the request is to explore the range of available options for potential future service delivery and to gather feedback, in particular from the local SME market. This engagement will help inform our approach to any potential future procurement and ensure that it is shaped by a clear understanding of market capabilities, innovations, and capacity.

*** This is not a call for competition or an invitation to tender. This is an invitation to participate in a market consultation exercise in relation to the provision of Coach and Minibus services. ***

Key Service Requirements include, providing reliable road transport services across multiple UEA departments, allocating a suitable vehicle for each booking and ensure service is prompt, safe and compliant. Operators must hold valid Operator Licence and maintain at least Amber DVSA OCRS rating, notifying UEA of any changes.

Expected mandatory insurance minimums are £2m Public Liability and £10m Employers' Liability.

Drivers will be expected to hold correct licences and CPC, undergo 6-monthly licence checks and yearly DVLA verification, have DBS clearance and meet professional standards.


More information

Additional text

The UEA is interested in responses from suppliers that can provide, directly or via a framework consortium, a coach and minibus service suitable for the UEA's specification of requirements.

Please complete the MS Form found here:

https://forms.office.com/e/MsEUaE9ewv. We expect this to take around 20-30 minutes and responses will be consolidated at the end of the day, Monday 8th December.

We value your contribution to the shaping of the next iteration of the contract. Thank you!


How to apply

Follow the instructions given in the description or the more information section.


About the buyer

Contact name

Sian Townshend

Address

Norwich Research Park
NORWICH
NR47TJ
England

Email

s.townshend@uea.ac.uk