Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Testing - Compliance Testing

Contract No. VCT/17/01

Section 50 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 provides that Local Authorities have a responsibility to examine hackney carriages (taxis) and private hire vehicles regarding their mechanical fitness for such use.

Expressions of Interest are invited, via submission of a tender for carrying out the inspection of vehicles for a three year period, with a possible further extension of one year, plus one year.

If you wish to submit a tender you should do so by 14:30hrs on Wednesday 1st March 2017 in a plain sealed enveloped affixed with the label supplied and return to Customer Services Manager, Customer Contact Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford, Kent. TN23 1PL

Your tender should include the following;

• Form of Quotation (including Collusive Tendering Certificate and Equality Act declaration)
• Schedule of Rates for Testing
• Questionnaire (detailing your response to the Quality criteria listed below)
and;
• evidence of your organisation's Employers, Public and Product Liability, as appropriate.


A draft Agreement, Schedule and Compliance Checklist Guidelines are also attached for your information within the document.

Please note; this is a fixed price three year contract from 2nd June 2017 to 1st June 2020, with the option of a 12 month, plus an additional 12 month extension

Your tender will be assessed using the following weightings; Quality 70% : Price 30%

The Pricing aspect of your bid will be assessed on the cumulative total of the Schedule of Rates for Testing (maximum sum for test, re-test, missed test).

The Quality aspect of your bid will be assessed using the following criteria, evaluating your responses from the questionnaire;

- Facilities for testing
- Facilities for drivers
- Location and access
- Health and Safety record
- Quality of service
- Dedicated MOT approved testing.

Scope of Work
The Council requires that these vehicles are tested twice yearly. The test involves an examination to the Department of Transport for all vehicles plus an extended examination to include the function of all lighting accessories, the condition of the interior fabric, including seats and carpets for cleanliness and general condition. Full details included within Schedule and Compliance Checklist Guidelines attached.

A road test must be carried out on any licensed vehicles fitted with meters. The vehicle must be tested over a measured mile route (this cannot be undertaken on a rolling road).

The council currently has a fleet of 195 licensed vehicles. At least 390 tests to be carried out per annum, plus re-test for failures and new vehicles. (Note: the number of licensed vehicles may change throughout the period of contract.

If you require any further information, please contact Mr Trevor Ford, Licensing Officer on (01233) 330397. Any queries should be raised by Thursday 23rd February 2017 as no correspondence or communication regarding your bid will be entered into after this time. Please note; various contract options are being explored and it is possible that more than one garage may be granted the contract.

ATTACHMENTS
- Tender for; Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Testing – Compliance Testing.
- Return Tender Label.

Notes:
1) Please register your interest through the South East Business Portal - we will use these registration details to inform you of any amendments, or items of clarifications.
2) Please be aware that you need to download the documents attached to this advert and submit your tender by the due date. Your registration of interest will NOT be used to issue you with any of the documents
3) When submitting your Tender, please keep additional marketing materials to a minimum
4) No further clarification will be issued after Thursday 23rd February 2017, and all clarification question and responses will be channelled through the South East Business Portal.
5) The "Last Date for Expressing Interest" detailed at the beginning of this notice, is the last date for submitting your Tender.

Further Information: If you have any queries please contact Mr.Trevor Ford, Licensing Officer on (01233) 330397