Deadline extended for coach and mini bus operators

Midlothian Council (MLC) has extended the deadline for minibus, coach, taxis and private hire car operators to submit tenderst if they would like to be on a Framework Agreement to offer transport services. Search for Midlothian Council Transport Tender MID/24/76 on Public Contracts Scotland (PCS).

New deadline

The deadline is now Tuesday 25 March, a two week extension.

Additionally, the Question & Answer period has been extended until Friday 14 March. If you have any questions regarding the tender, please submit them via the PCS Q&A portal before this date.

Great opportunity

We encourage all minibus, coach, taxi, and PHC operators, as well as sole traders, to bid for a place on the framework. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with Midlothian, securing a reliable income while delivering a vital service to our communities.

If you need help

For those needing access to computers or Wi-Fi, Midlothian Libraries are available.

Get in touch

The Economic Development team can assist with registration and navigation of PCS. If you require support, please email econ-dev@midlothian.gov.uk. However, to ensure fairness and transparency, they cannot help to complete applications—this remains your responsibility.

Framework agreement details

The framework agreement is to transport:

  • Children and Young People to mainstream schools and schools for Children and Young People with Additional Support Needs (ASN) and other educational establishments
  • Adult Social Care Clients to various establishments
  • Children and Young People Social Care Clients to learning and support establishments

Meet the buyer

To support this, MLC held an online Meet the Buyer (MTB) Event, focusing on our upcoming Client Transport Services Framework. This event was an opportunity for prospective suppliers to engage directly with MLC officers and gain insights into our procurement approach. During the session, we delivered a detailed presentation outlining the framework and explaining our expectations of suppliers. See a video recording of the presentation below:

Event highlights

  • Purpose: Learn about the Client Transport Framework and understand how your organisation can contribute
  • Format: Online session held via Microsoft Teams, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all participants
  • Engagement: An opportunity to ask questions, clarify expectations, and prepare your organisation to respond effectively to future contract opportunities

If unable to attend

The virtual event has been recorded and shared above. If you need help to access please contact procurement@midlothian.gov.uk.

Why Register on Public Contracts Scotland (PCS)?

To ensure full access to MLC’s future opportunities, including the Client Transport Framework, we strongly encourage suppliers to register on the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) portal. PCS is our primary platform for advertising contracts, making registration an essential first step for businesses wishing to partner with us. The PCS contract reference number for this framework is JAN521436.

If you need help registering or navigating PCS, our team is here to help:

Additional support 

If you don't have access to a computer MLC libraries offer free access to computers, and Wi-Fi to support your participation and registration needs. We have a friendly, knowledgeable team that are always happy to help.

Join us and get in touch

This event is a vital step for suppliers keen to align with MLC’s procurement priorities and contribute to the successful delivery of the Client Transport Services Framework. We look forward to welcoming you and fostering partnerships that deliver high-quality services for the residents of Midlothian.
For further information or enquiries about the event, please contact procurement@midlothian.gov.uk

Meet the buyers event for taxi and private hire operators

We held a similar event on a different date for taxi and private hire operators.

14 Jan 2025