← Back to opportunities

Licencing and Regulation (L&R) Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Procurement

Transport for London

Buyer Contact Info

Buyer Name: Transport for London

Buyer Address: 5 Endeavour Square, London, UKI41, E20 1JN, United Kingdom

Contact Email: patrickhorne@tfl.gov.uk

Status
active
Procedure
selective
Value
21250000.0 GBP
Gross: 23000000 GBP
Published
04 Dec 2025, 09:57
Deadline
n/a
Contract Start
n/a
Contract End
n/a
Category
services
CPV
75000000 - Administration, defence and social security services
Region
n/a
Awarded To
n/a
Official Source
Open Find a Tender

Description

The L&R licensing activities for taxi, private hire drivers, taxi proprietors and private hire operators, are currently delivered by directly employed TfL staff. As part of the licensing process, staff need to verify a DBS Check has been completed and applicants are fit and proper persons to hold the licence applied for. Public and passenger safety is a priority for TfL. Once licensed, a driver will be in day-to-day contact with members of the public, including children and vulnerable adults. It is therefore essential to ensure that applicants are of good character and are a 'fit and proper' person before they become a licensed driver. Taxi and PHV driver licences are valid for a period of three (3) years. Private hire operator licences are valid for up to five (5) years, and taxi and private hire vehicle licences are valid for one (1) year. TfL is also looking to introduce Pedicab licensing in London. This is currently undergoing review and consultation, so full requirements are in progress and anticipated to be finalised and included in the Contract prior to Contract Award. The primary aims of the service are to ensure: - All new applicants for a taxi and private hire driver's licence, have had an enhanced DBS check including checks of the Barred Lists. Pedicab drivers may also have to have these checks but this is subject to consultation; - All licensed taxi and private hire drivers have had an enhanced DBS check including checks of the Barred Lists. Pedicab drivers may also have to have these checks, but this is subject to consultation; - All private hire operators have a basic DBS check with every new and renewal application, a further basic DBS check annually on the anniversary of the licence issue. Pedicab operators may also have to have these checks, but this is subject to consultation; - Dial-a-Ride drivers and staff have DBS checks to the required standard dependant on role; - ID document checks to meet the DBS requirements; - Offer basic checks for taxi vehicle owners as required. Pedicab vehicle owners may also have to have these checks, but this is subject to consultation; - Offer an option for private hire operators who live overseas (TfL do not envisage large numbers of these), this is operators where they have lived their whole life overseas and not in UK; -Any other DBS checks that TfL may require (for example: any additional TfL employees, etc); - Provide a user-friendly DBS application with an online service and a paper version if needed; - Meet all required security and privacy standards; - Provide an API Interface into the Licensing System. The Licensing System administers the licensing of drivers, operators and vehicles; - Provide a user-friendly Web Portal that allows and encourages applicants to apply online for the appropriate level of DBS check, make an online payment for their DBS check and track the status of their application; - Provide a solution to check real time results and status of the DBS check; - Provide an administrative service to request paper disclosures where there is content and upload for TfL to access; - A DBS registered umbrella body company are required to provide the services and shall adhere to the DBS code of practice and guidance including all DBS stipulated requirements and standards.

Linked Documents

No linked documents found for this notice.

Opportunity Context

More Information Links

External Link: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/079593-2025

Link Description: Tender notice on Find a Tender

Lots

Lot 1 Status: active

Lot 1 Value: GBP 21,250,000

Lot 1 Value (Gross): GBP 23,000,000

Lot 1 Contract Start: 2026-10-01T00:00:00+01:00

Lot 1 Contract End: 2029-09-30T23:59:59+01:00

Lot 1 Award Criterion (quality): Technical (50%)

Lot 1 Award Criterion (price): Commercial (35%)

Lot 1 Award Criterion (quality): Social Value (10%)

Lot 1 Award Criterion (quality): Carbon Reduction (5%)

Documents

Document Description: Not published

Document Description: Tender notice on Find a Tender

Raw Notice JSON

Expand raw payload
{
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PHMT-6197-NWNZ",
    "name": "Transport for London"
  },
  "date": "2025-12-04T09:57:35Z",
  "id": "079593-2025",
  "initiationType": "tender",
  "language": "en",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05ee76",
  "parties": [
    {
      "address": {
        "country": "GB",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "E20 1JN",
        "region": "UKI41",
        "streetAddress": "5 Endeavour Square"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "patrickhorne@tfl.gov.uk"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "description": "Public authority - central government",
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE"
          }
        ]
      },
      "id": "GB-PPON-PHMT-6197-NWNZ",
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PHMT-6197-NWNZ",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "name": "Transport for London",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ]
    }
  ],
  "tag": [
    "tender"
  ],
  "tender": {
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "awardPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-07-17T23:59:59+01:00"
    },
    "description": "The L\u0026R licensing activities for taxi, private hire drivers, taxi proprietors and private hire operators, are currently delivered by directly employed TfL staff. As part of the licensing process, staff need to verify a DBS Check has been completed and applicants are fit and proper persons to hold the licence applied for.\nPublic and passenger safety is a priority for TfL. \nOnce licensed, a driver will be in day-to-day contact with members of the public, including children and vulnerable adults. It is therefore essential to ensure that applicants are of good character and are a \u0027fit and proper\u0027 person before they become a licensed driver.\nTaxi and PHV driver licences are valid for a period of three (3) years. Private hire operator licences are valid for up to five (5) years, and taxi and private hire vehicle licences are valid for one (1) year. \nTfL is also looking to introduce Pedicab licensing in London. This is currently undergoing review and consultation, so full requirements are in progress and anticipated to be finalised and included in the Contract prior to Contract Award. \nThe primary aims of the service are to ensure:\n- All new applicants for a taxi and private hire driver\u0027s licence, have had an enhanced DBS check including checks of the Barred Lists. Pedicab drivers may also have to have these checks but this is subject to consultation;\n- All licensed taxi and private hire drivers have had an enhanced DBS check including checks of the Barred Lists. Pedicab drivers may also have to have these checks, but this is subject to consultation;\n- All private hire operators have a basic DBS check with every new and renewal application, a further basic DBS check annually on the anniversary of the licence issue. Pedicab operators may also have to have these checks, but this is subject to consultation;\n- Dial-a-Ride drivers and staff have DBS checks to the required standard dependant on role;\n- ID document checks to meet the DBS requirements;\n- Offer basic checks for taxi vehicle owners as required. Pedicab vehicle owners may also have to have these checks, but this is subject to consultation;\n- Offer an option for private hire operators who live overseas (TfL do not envisage large numbers of these), this is operators where they have lived their whole life overseas and not in UK;\n-Any other DBS checks that TfL may require (for example: any additional TfL employees, etc);\n- Provide a user-friendly DBS application with an online service and a paper version if needed;\n- Meet all required security and privacy standards;\n- Provide an API Interface into the Licensing System. The Licensing System administers the licensing of drivers, operators and vehicles;\n- Provide a user-friendly Web Portal that allows and encourages applicants to apply online for the appropriate level of DBS check, make an online payment for their DBS check and track the status of their application;\n- Provide a solution to check real time results and status of the DBS check;\n- Provide an administrative service to request paper disclosures where there is content and upload for TfL to access;\n- A DBS registered umbrella body company are required to provide the services and shall adhere to the DBS code of practice and guidance including all DBS stipulated requirements and standards.",
    "documents": [
      {
        "description": "Not published",
        "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
        "id": "conflictOfInterest"
      },
      {
        "datePublished": "2025-12-04T09:57:35Z",
        "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "tenderNotice",
        "format": "text/html",
        "id": "079593-2025",
        "noticeType": "UK4",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/079593-2025"
      }
    ],
    "expressionOfInterestDeadline": "2026-01-06T23:59:59Z",
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-05ee76",
    "items": [
      {
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "description": "Administration, defence and social security services",
            "id": "75000000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
          },
          {
            "description": "Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security",
            "id": "79000000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
          }
        ],
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom",
            "region": "UKC"
          },
          {
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom",
            "region": "UKD"
          },
          {
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom",
            "region": "UKE"
          },
          {
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom",
            "region": "UKF"
          },
          {
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom",
            "region": "UKG"
          },
          {
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom",
            "region": "UKH"
          },
          {
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom",
            "region": "UKI"
          },
          {
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom",
            "region": "UKJ"
          },
          {
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom",
            "region": "UKK"
          }
        ],
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1"
      }
    ],
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "scheme": "UKPGA",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
    },
    "lots": [
      {
        "awardCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "name": "Technical",
              "numbers": [
                {
                  "number": 50,
                  "weight": "percentageExact"
                }
              ],
              "type": "quality"
            },
            {
              "name": "Commercial",
              "numbers": [
                {
                  "number": 35,
                  "weight": "percentageExact"
                }
              ],
              "type": "price"
            },
            {
              "name": "Social Value",
              "numbers": [
                {
                  "number": 10,
                  "weight": "percentageExact"
                }
              ],
              "type": "quality"
            },
            {
              "name": "Carbon Reduction",
              "numbers": [
                {
                  "number": 5,
                  "weight": "percentageExact"
                }
              ],
              "type": "quality"
            }
          ]
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2029-09-30T23:59:59+01:00",
          "maxExtentDate": "2031-09-30T23:59:59+01:00",
          "startDate": "2026-10-01T00:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "id": "1",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "An option to extend for a maximum of two years."
        },
        "secondStage": {
          "maximumCandidates": 6
        },
        "selectionCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "description": "They must be a DBS Umbrella Body.",
              "type": "technical"
            },
            {
              "description": "Suppliers will be invited to submit tenders based on their scoring position within the ITP/PSQ stage. The top 5 Suppliers will automatically be invited to tender if they achieve the minimum thresholds and do not fail any sections of the questionnaire.",
              "forReduction": true
            }
          ]
        },
        "status": "active",
        "value": {
          "amount": 21250000,
          "amountGross": 23000000,
          "currency": "GBP"
        }
      }
    ],
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
    "procedure": {
      "features": "1. Open Invitation to Participate / Procurement Specific Questionnaire stage\n2. Invitation to Tender\n3. Contract Award"
    },
    "procurementMethod": "selective",
    "procurementMethodDetails": "Competitive flexible procedure",
    "status": "active",
    "submissionMethodDetails": "https://s1-eu.ariba.com/Sourcing/Main/ad/selfRegistration?realm=TfL\nPlease register for SAP Ariba at the above link. \nOnce registered please contact patrickhorne@tfl.gov.uk to be invited to participate in the ITP/PSQ stage.\nYou will then be able to access the documentation and questions relevant for this procurement. \nAll Clarifications once added should be submitted via SAP Ariba. \nAny issues with registering please contact Patrick on the above email.",
    "submissionTerms": {
      "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
      "languages": [
        "en"
      ]
    },
    "title": "Licencing and Regulation (L\u0026R) Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Procurement",
    "value": {
      "amount": 21250000,
      "amountGross": 23000000,
      "currency": "GBP"
    }
  }
}