The Windsor Forest Colleges Group has published a procurement opportunity for ca17507 - wfcg - student transport services with an estimated value of value not disclosed. The submission deadline is 30 April 2026, giving eligible UK suppliers a limited window to prepare and submit bids through the official Contracts Finder portal.

Published on 2026-04-01, this contract is open to suitably qualified suppliers across the United Kingdom. All businesses interested in bidding should review the full tender documentation and confirm they meet all eligibility requirements before the closing date.

Contract overview

Windsor Forest Colleges Group - Tender for Student Transport Services - Full information within documents Includes Lots: Lot 1: Lot 1 Lot 2: Lot 2 Lot 3: Lot 3 Lot 4: Lot 4 Lot 5: Lot 3 To access this competition: Registered: Login to https://suppliers.multiquote.com and view the opportunity CA17507. Not registered: Visit https://suppliers.multiquote.com then register and quote CA17507 as the reason for registration. Any queries please contact MultiQuote on 0151 482 9230.

The Windsor Forest Colleges Group is the contracting authority for this procurement. The estimated contract value is value not disclosed and the submission deadline is 30 April 2026. Suppliers should download the full specification from the official portal before preparing a bid.

Is your business eligible?

This contract is most relevant to businesses with relevant experience and qualifications. Suppliers typically need to demonstrate experience delivering similar contracts, appropriate financial standing for a contract of value not disclosed, and hold relevant professional certifications and insurance.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, The Windsor Forest Colleges Group must actively consider SME participation. Check whether this contract has been structured into lots accessible to smaller businesses.

• Proven track record in professional services contracts of comparable scope
• Financial standing appropriate for a value not disclosed contract
• Relevant certifications: relevant professional certifications and insurance
• Capacity to mobilise within The Windsor Forest Colleges Group’s required timeframe
• Ability to meet the 30 April 2026 submission deadline

How to submit a bid

• Step 1 — Access the notice: Visit Contracts Finder at https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/891085
• Step 2 — Register free: Create or log in to your supplier account
• Step 3 — Download documents: Read the full ITT before preparing your response
• Step 4 — Raise clarifications: Submit questions early — Q&A typically closes 1–2 weeks before the deadline
• Step 5 — Submit before 30 April 2026: Late submissions are not accepted under UK procurement rules

What the buyer will evaluate

The Windsor Forest Colleges Group will assess all compliant bids against published criteria. For professional services contracts, buyers typically apply a 60% quality and 40% price weighting. Under the Procurement Act 2023, social value is a mandatory evaluation criterion — demonstrate specific, costed commitments to local employment, skills, or environmental sustainability.

Writing a winning bid

The most common reason bids fail is generic content that does not address the buyer’s specific requirements. The Windsor Forest Colleges Group has stated precise objectives — your bid must demonstrate you have read and understood them.

• Lead with an executive summary addressing The Windsor Forest Colleges Group’s objectives directly
• Provide two or more case studies with measurable outcomes
• Include specific, costed social value commitments
• Price to win but ensure your margin covers full delivery
• Submit at least 24 hours before 30 April 2026

Key dates and next steps

The submission deadline is 30 April 2026. Competitive bids for professional services contracts require two to three weeks of preparation. Following submission, The Windsor Forest Colleges Group will typically complete evaluation within four to eight weeks.

• Download all documents from Contracts Finder today
• Confirm your organisation meets all eligibility requirements
• Assign a bid lead and set internal milestones now
• Submit clarification questions as early as possible

Frequently asked questions

Can SMEs bid for this contract?

Yes. The Procurement Act 2023 requires The Windsor Forest Colleges Group to consider SME suitability and remove unnecessary barriers. Check for lots designed to be accessible to smaller businesses.

Is registration on the portal free?

Yes. Registering as a supplier on Contracts Finder is completely free.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Late submissions are not accepted. The 30 April 2026 deadline is absolute. Submit at least 24 hours early.

How long does evaluation take?

The Windsor Forest Colleges Group will notify all bidders once evaluation is complete. Allow four to eight weeks from the submission deadline.

Where are the full tender documents?

All documents are on the official Contracts Finder listing at https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/891085. Always use the official source.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify all details on the official procurement portal before submitting a bid. Kael Tripton is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Windsor Forest Colleges Group or the UK government.