Rural Mobility Fund Pilot Bus Operator

{
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PJGX-9191-DYLV",
    "name": "Cumberland Council"
  },
  "date": "2026-03-06T13:26:43Z",
  "id": "020395-2026",
  "initiationType": "tender",
  "language": "en",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-0662f3",
  "parties": [
    {
      "address": {
        "country": "GB",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "locality": "Carlisle",
        "postalCode": "CA1 1RD",
        "region": "UKD12",
        "streetAddress": "Cumbria House, 107-117 Botchergate"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "peopleprocurement@cumbria.gov.uk"
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      "name": "Cumberland Council",
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      "endDate": "2026-04-10T23:59:59+01:00"
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    "description": "Cumberland Council is procuring a contract for the delivery of a new Digital Demand Responsive Transport (DDRT) Scheme with funding from the Department of Transport (DfT).The proposed DDRT service will form part of the Rural Mobility Fund (RMF) Pilot and aims to improve rural connectivity across Cumberland. \nThis initiative is intended to provide flexible, digitally enabled transport solutions for communities that currently have limited or no access to conventional public transport services. Operators will be expected to: \ni.\tDeliver high-quality bus services for the duration of the contract, ensuring all services are properly registered with the Traffic Commissioners.\nii.\tExercise all necessary skill, care, and diligence in the provision of the services at all times.\niii.\tTake all reasonable steps to prioritise passenger comfort and safety.\niv.\tEnsure that all legally required licences, approvals, registrations, permits, insurances, and related obligations are obtained and maintained throughout the contract period.\nThe DRT Model will:\ni.\tprovide flexible, reliable access to essential services, employment, education, and leisure.\nii.\tComplement rather than compete with existing fixed\u2011route bus and rail services.\niii.\tImprove connectivity and accessibility for rural communities.\niv.\tSupport an integrated, customer\u2011focused public transport network under the Cumberland GO brand.\nThe service operates as a hybrid model, combining fixed timetables with a controlled demand\u2011responsive element.\nThe Council proposes to enter into the contract for an initial term of 1 year/12 months with the successful tenderer.\nThere are 2 optional extensions available of [up to] 12 months each.  It is up to the council whether or not to implement these optional extensions. \nIf the contract runs for the initial term only it will end on 4th June 2027.  \nThe total contract value is \u00a3250000 (including any optional extensions, potential uplifts, inflation and VAT).  \nIf the council implements the 2 optional extensions, the contract will end on 4th June 2029.\nThis figure is indicative only as the extension periods and uplifts are not guaranteed.  \nIf the council implements an extension or uplift, this will be confirmed with the successful supplier in advance.  \nIf the services to be provided are VAT exempt then VAT cannot be charged by the successful supplier.\nFor further details and to access the tender documents use our online procurement portal, The Chest https://www.the-chest.org.uk\nYou must be registered on The Chest to be able to view the opportunity and submit a tender.  Registration is free. \nEnsure you read and understand the Invitation to Tender (ITT) and its appendices before completing the tender documents.  \nClarification questions can be asked on The Chest messaging section.  \nYou should take note of the deadlines in the Procurement Timetable, which is in the ITT.  \nAll bids must be received electronically via The Chest by the deadline stated in the Invitation to Tender (ITT).\nAny clarifications about the tender must be sent via messaging on The Chest by the deadline stated in the ITT.",
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        "datePublished": "2026-03-06T13:26:43Z",
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    "enquiryPeriod": {
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    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-0662f3",
    "items": [
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            "description": "Public road transport services",
            "id": "60112000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
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        "deliveryAddresses": [
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            "region": "UKD1"
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    "legalBasis": {
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      "scheme": "UKPGA",
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        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2027-06-04T23:59:59+01:00",
          "maxExtentDate": "2029-06-04T23:59:59+01:00",
          "startDate": "2026-06-05T00:00:00+01:00"
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          "description": "There are 2 optional extensions available of [up to] 12 months each.  It is up to the council whether or not to implement these optional extensions. \nIf the contract runs for the initial term only it will end on 4th June 2027.  \nThe total contract value is \u00a3250000 (including any optional extensions, potential uplifts, inflation and VAT).\nIf the council implements the 2 optional extensions, the contract will end on 4th June 2029."
        },
        "status": "active",
        "suitability": {
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        "value": {
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    "procurementMethod": "open",
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    "tenderPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-04-03T10:00:00+01:00"
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    "title": "Rural Mobility Fund Pilot  Bus Operator",
    "value": {
      "amount": 200000,
      "amountGross": 250000,
      "currency": "GBP"
    }
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}