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Our LA is putting in place a new Tendering Framework, It Now Covers NHS Runs and Local Authority Contracts such as School Transport, Additional needs and Social Services all under the one Umbrella Framework tendering process.
Now they have added the Following Pass or Fail Question:
Question: 74. Do all nominated vehicles have passenger airbags that are operational at all times? (Please refer to conditions of contract 3.2.1)which states 3.21 The Operator shall ensure that Vehicle Passenger air bags are operational at all times when operating the Service unless the CPP provides prior written agreement that they should be de-activated.
It was queried it and got the following reply from the CPP (The Framework providers) :
Answer
Question 74 is specific to Hackney Carriage & Private Hire vehicles only, not Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV). Any nominated vehicles that are unable to comply with clause 3.21 shall not be considered for this framework. Please note, the framework duration is for a minimum of 2 years with the potential to extend for further 2 years thereafter. Individual contracts awarded via the framework have the potential to run for up to 5 years.
Can they really Insist that all vehicles up to 8 Passenger seats have Passenger Airbags fitted or they Wont be allowed on the Framework or not? Not to many MPV type vehicles have these fitted as standard and most operators can't afford to rush out on Brand new Vehicles with no Guarantee they will either be accepted Firstly on the Framework and if they are even be offered a Contract afterwards!
Any of you Guys come across such a Condition of tender before, Our LA does not require for Taxis or PH vehicles in order to License them as such...so why the hell does the LA try and add it to the framework T&Cs when they know full well It's not required for general work.
Oddly enough they are happy to allow PCV's to operate without Front Passenger Airbags even though their Front seating is of a Similar layout to that of most 8 seat MPVs. I just wondered if the can legally insist on more than the Taxi/PH licensing department demands.
Be maybe understandable it was some specialised form of Patient Transport but not for other work, but who can afford New Vehicles when at the same time they are trying to get our services on the cheap by wanting more for less cost through an even more competitive framework.
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