Double Crewed Ambulance Conversions mini framework
Framework Description
The East of England NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub's Double Crewed Ambulance Conversions mini framework (ref 2024/S 000-033898) lets ambulance trusts direct-award the conversion of base vehicles into frontline double crewed ambulances. It sits under the Government Commercial Agency's Purchase of Standard and Specialist Vehicles framework (RM6244). Lots 1 and 2 run to 16 September 2027, with a 12-month extension option; Lot 3, battery electric conversion, ended on 16 September 2026.
Context & Use Case
Ambulance trusts use this mini framework alongside the companion Base Vehicle mini framework: they buy the base vehicle there, then order the conversion here by direct award. Platform-specific lots let a trust match the converter to its chosen chassis, whether a Fiat Ducato or MAN panel van or a MAN or Ford box body. Appointed converters are audited and build to a national specification.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Panel van conversion (1a Fiat Ducato; 1b MAN panel van) Lot 2: Lightweight box body conversion (2a MAN box body; 2b Ford box body) Lot 3: Battery electric conversion (ended 16 September 2026)
Lots
Lot 1: Panel Van conversion; Lot 1a: Fiat Ducato; Lot 1b: MAN Panel Van; Lot 2: Lightweight (Box Body) Conversion; Lot 2a: MAN Box Body; Lot 2b: Ford Box Body; Lot 3: Battery Electric Conversion
Who Can Apply
Suits specialist ambulance and emergency vehicle converters. The appointed suppliers are Blue Light Services Specialist Vehicles, Cartwright Vehicle Conversions, James Alpe, Wietmarscher Ambulanz und Sonderfahrzeug and Wilker UK. Applications for this framework are closed, so other converters must wait for the re-tender.
Buyer Benefits
Trusts get a quick direct-award route for conversion orders, with an additional discount over the GCA master framework and converters that meet the national specification. Terms written for ambulance conversion, such as retention of title, protect trusts while vehicles are being built, and platform-specific lots let them keep the base vehicle they already run.
Next Steps
Appointed converters should keep build slots, lead times and conversion pricing current for trust orders. Other converters should watch the hub's framework page at eoecph.nhs.uk for a re-tender around 16 September 2027, or a year later if Lots 1 and 2 are extended, and gather ambulance conversion references and quality certification in the meantime.
How Athena Can Help
Converters outside this mini framework need to be ready when it is re-tendered. Athena's re-tender application support prepares a compliant submission with evidence of build quality, capacity and specification compliance.
In the meantime, our emergency services tender support helps you bid for conversion and specialist vehicle contracts let by trusts and fire services, and our proposal writing team can sharpen technical answers and pricing so your bids score well on quality and cost.
