Purpose

The West Sussex Transport Provision Team operates approximately 130 home-to-school transport routes across the county, including services supporting pupils attending mainstream schools, particularly those living in rural areas. A number of these routes are currently undertaken using a fleet of Ford Transit 17-seat minibuses.

The purchase of like for like, replacement minibuses through the Government Commercial Agency (GCA) Framework Agreement is proposed. The replacement vehicles will maintain operational capability, minimise driver familiarisation requirements and ensure continuity of service.

Several alternative options were considered, including retaining the existing fleet, extending current leases and procuring alternative vehicle types. These options were discounted due to increasing maintenance costs, lease expiries, vehicle write-offs and the need to maintain a reliable and efficient transport service.

The proposal supports the Council's statutory duty to provide home-to-school transport for eligible children, delivers value for money and contributes to environmental and social objectives through improved reliability, reduced operating costs and continued access to education for pupils across West Sussex.

The Chief Fire Officer, within delegated authority, will approve the procurement of Minibuses (via the Framework Agreement) and award the contract at the conclusion of the procurement process.

Decision

Following a compliant procurement process the Chief Fire Officer has approved the award of contract to Ford Motor Company Limited for the purchase of 52 standard minibuses. The total value of the contract is £2,251,689.96.