Ad Hoc Coach Hire

A Pre-market engagement notice, to advise potential bidders of our intention to publish a tender for a framework agreement and invite information from potential bidders. Details can be viewed here: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/cardiffuniversity/aspx/Home SECTION 1 – UNIVERSITY INTRODUCTION 1. Introduction Cardiff University, founded in 1883, is an ambitious and innovative university with a bold and strategic vision located in a beautiful and thriving capital city. Our world-leading research was ranked 5th amongst UK universities in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework for quality and 2nd for impact. We provide an educationally outstanding experience for our students. Driven by creativity and curiosity, we strive to fulfil our social, cultural, and economic obligations to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. We excel in producing high quality, innovative research which translates into benefits both locally and worldwide. Our academics and researchers have won many honours and awards in recognition of their innovations and discoveries. The advancements they have made have changed the face of their chosen areas of work and have helped to make us a world-leading institution. 1.1. The Way forward: Our Strategic Direction Through our collaborative and consultative exercise, have co-created our vision for the future of Cardiff University. Building on our history, values, strengths, resources, and networks, and drawing on our academic and professional expertise, we have developed our direction of travel, together. 1.2. Who We Are We have a diverse student population with students coming from more than 100 countries and with a range of backgrounds. Our academic staff are driven by creativity and curiosity and many are leaders in their fields, creating a stimulating environment for learning. Education: Our students benefit from research-led teaching that develops their individual intellectual abilities. Research: We use our knowledge to develop innovative research that will have an impact on the world. Innovation: We excel in connecting industry, business, government and NGOs with our academics. International: Cardiff is an international university - from worldwide collaborations to the students we welcome from over 100 different countries. A Welsh University: The Welsh language is integral not only to our culture and society, but in fostering the economic development of Wales. Further detailed information can be found at: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/about SECTION 2 – Scope of Services 2. Introduction Cardiff University (the “University”) is undertaking a competitive tender process under the open procedure, in accordance with section 20(2) of the Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement (Wales) Regulations 2024 (the “Legislation”). In designing and carrying out this Procurement Process, the University has had regard to the importance of the procurement objectives set out at section 12 of the Procurement Act 2023 to: • deliver value for money; • maximise public benefit; • share information for the purpose of allowing Bidders and others to understand the University’s procurement policies and decisions; • act, and be seen to act, with integrity; • treat Bidders the same unless a difference between Bidders justifies different treatment; and • have regard to the fact that SMEs may face particular barriers to participation and consider whether such barriers can be removed or reduced. The University will be running this process as a single-stage open procedure, advertised both on the Central Digital Platform and Sell2Wales. The aim of this Procurement Process is to establish a Framework with a maximum of 3 suppliers to deliver Ad-hoc service requirements and to ensure value for money for money is maintained throughout the framework’s term. The requirement will primarily be for ad hoc coach hire requirements including airport pickups. This framework will be for 2 years with an option to extend for a further 2 years making the framework a maximum of 4 years. The estimated spend is expected to be approximately £1,600,000 over the 4 years however it is difficult to predict the exact value of the framework as the requirements are expected to change over the framework’s term. However, there will be no guarantee of work or volume of work given under this framework. The award of all call off contracts ( Request for Service )under this framework will be either via a direct award using the Schedule of Rates/Fees provided at tender stage or via a further competition inviting all suppliers to participate. Please see Schedule 2 - Specification for further details. All service contracts awarded via direct award or further competition under the framework will be awarded using a purchase order. Bidders are advised that the University believes that the transfer of undertakings (protection of employment) regulations 2006 and/or European Communities acquired rights directive 2001/23EC DOES NOT apply to any Call off Contracts/Requests for Service under this Framework Agreement. 3. Pre-Market Engagement Prospective bidders are invited to provide information regarding their services, with particular emphasis on reliability, customer service, safety, and sustainability. While the University anticipates awarding contracts to a maximum of three suppliers, we welcome feedback and innovative ideas from the market on how this model could operate effectively in practice, including opportunities to reduce costs and maximise commercial value. While the University welcomes feedback and suggestions, it should be noted that we are unable to guarantee that any such contributions will be incorporated into the final tender documentation. Suppliers who choose not to submit a response at this stage will not be disadvantaged or precluded from submitting a proposal at the final tender stage. Likewise, suppliers who do provide a response at this stage will not be treated more favourably.