This is a contract result notice, not an open opportunity. Details from the official award data.

Merseytravel are inviting tender submissions (min-competition) for the provision of an Options Appraisal & Business Case for an Alternate Service Delivery Model for Bus from organisations that have been appointed to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s (formerly West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive) Legal Services Framework Agreement dated the 21st February 2014 (the Framework).

The framework of the Business Case around which the alternate delivery model assessment decisions are to be made is to be undertaken in strict compliance of the proposed Bus Bill; Department of Transport guidance; HM Treasury’s guidance for public sector bodies (The Green Book, 5 case business model guidance and Gateway Process); and is to also incorporate the additional requirements set out below and in the accompanying call off tender documentation.

Merseytravel does not however have any pre-conceptions in regard to the most advantages long term arrangement.

The most appropriate future service delivery model is therefore to be determined by Merseytravel’s consideration of the Business Case conclusions and its recommendations.

The successful bidder will therefore be required to undertake a robust and detailed Business Case.

The Business Case is to include the review of the current Alliance Arrangement (No Change Option) and the identification and comparison of the costs and benefits of other service delivery models.

As a minimum, the options appraisal is to include: the current Alliance and other forms of Enhanced Partnerships; Quality Contract arrangements; as well as partial and full Franchising (IE “Nothing Ruled In - & - Nothing Ruled Out”).

Initial Commission The initial commission is for the provision of provision of the: • Strategic Outline Programme (SOP) • Strategic Outline Case (SOC).

Option to Extend Subject to the outcome of the Strategic Outline Case (SOC) and other factors to be considered by Merseytravel, the Contract term and scope may be extended at the sole discretion of Merseytravel to include one or more of the following stages: • Outline Business Case (OBC) • Full Business Case (FBC) • Procurement Advice Bidders are required to submit their fees and prices for the Strategic Outline Programme (SOP) and Strategic Outline Case (SOC).

However, should the commission be extended, then these submitted rates and prices shall form the basis for agreeing the rates and prices for undertaking the Outline Business Case (OBC), Full Business Case (FBC) and for the provision of procurement advice.

Please note that this is a call off from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Legal Services Framework Agreement dated the 21st February 2014 and only suppliers pre approved and listed in the framework are able to submit.