Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13bde-2a8e-729f-9fb2-14fb752bc909/home-to-school-replacement-bus-framework pending GB open procedure Suitable for SMEs # Home to School Replacement Bus Framework [the Education Authority](https://tendernation.io/buyers/the-education-authority) Estimated value £4,900,000 Published 14 May 2026 Deadline Rolling deadline ## Who can bid - Buyer says suitable for SMEs The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid. - Below-threshold contract Buyers cannot shortlist bidders on suitability before tenders are in, so everyone gets to submit a bid (except some larger works contracts). [Procurement Act 2023, section 85](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/section/85) - Sets up a framework Winning a place does not guarantee work: contracts are awarded later as call-offs, and the list usually stays closed for years. - Open procedure Anyone can submit a full tender; there is no shortlisting stage. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/for-small-businesses) ## About this tender EA is currently preparing to initiate the procurement process to set up a 4 year framework for the replacement of Home to School Buses. Currently no funding for fleet replacement is in place. EA are currently preparing a business case for a school bus replacement programme to a maximum value of up to £49m over four years, which will be subject to various approvals. Funding values may vary per annum, or no funding award may available. There is no guarantee of the level of business during the period of the framework or to the exact value of any subsequent Purchase Orders. It is anticipated that the framework will be split into lots for each vehicle type. When EA receives funding to replace buses, it is intended that a secondary competition will be run from the framework for each vehicle type required. EA will reserve the right to prioritise which vehicle types are required in line with operational needs. A provisional indication of potential lots are as follows: Mainstream school buses: 22 passenger seat van conversion 33 passenger seat coach built bus 57 passenger seat coach built bus ### Special Educational Needs school buses 16 passenger seat / 2 wheelchair van conversion minibus 22 passenger seat / 6 wheelchair coach built bus 28 passenger seat / 8 wheelchair coach built bus All bus types and quantities are subject to funding. All EA school buses must be fully seated Class 3 category buses with no standing capacity and built to full EA specifications in every aspect. All buses in this particular framework must be diesel combustion engine vehicles. Zero emission buses are out of scope in this framework. Public/Service bus specifications are not suitable for EA home to school transport. EA are interested in feedback regarding development of vehicle designs to accommodate EA requirements. Read full description ## CPV classification Motor vehicles Motor vehicles for the transport of 10 or more persons Buses and coaches Public-service buses Articulated buses Low-floor buses Coaches Vehicle bodies, trailers or semi-trailers Vehicle bodies Bus bodies Source Find a Tender (UK) · Notice ocds-h6vhtk-06994a-2026-05-14T17:51:20+01:00 [View official notice](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/ocds-h6vhtk-06994a-2026-05-14T17:51:20+01:00) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. Free to start. 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