Vehicle Rental (Self-Drive) (2024)
Framework Description
ESPO's Vehicle Rental (Self-Drive) (2024) framework (reference 271_24) covers short to medium-term self-drive rental of cars, minibuses, light commercial vehicles, refuse vehicles, sweepers and gully emptiers, HGV tippers and loaders, and winter maintenance vehicles, plus master vendor and flexi rental schemes. The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 governed its procurement, and it is a nine-lot framework agreement, not a DPS. Its initial term runs from 17 December 2024 to 16 December 2026, with an option to extend to 16 December 2028.
Context & Use Case
Local authorities and other public bodies use 271_24 to cover breakdowns, seasonal peaks and new services, such as hiring extra gritters for winter or a refuse vehicle while their own is repaired. Contracts can be placed by direct award or after further competition. The master vendor and flexi lots suit buyers who want one supplier to manage all their rental needs.
Scope of Services
Lots A–C: Rental of cars, minibuses and light commercial vehicles Lot D: Rental of refuse collection vehicles Lot E: Rental of sweepers and gully emptiers Lot F: Rental of HGV tippers and loaders Lot G: Rental of winter maintenance vehicles Lot W: Master vendor vehicle rental schemes Lot X: Flexi vehicle rental schemes
Lots
Lot A Rental of Cars; Lot B Rental of Minibuses; Lot C Rental of Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV’s); Lot D Rental of Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCV’s); Lot E Rental of Sweepers and Gully Emptiers; Lot F Rental of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) Tippers and Loaders; Lot G Rental of Winter Maintenance Vehicles; Lot W Master Vendor Vehicle Rental Schemes; Lot X Flexi Vehicle Rental Schemes
Who Can Apply
Suits vehicle rental companies, specialist commercial vehicle hire firms and rental management providers. Applications for 271_24 are closed, so new suppliers cannot join until ESPO re-tenders, which will be after 16 December 2026 if it is not extended, or by 16 December 2028 if it is.
Buyer Benefits
Rental keeps essential services running when vehicles break down or demand spikes, so speed matters. Direct award lets a council hire a replacement RCV or gritter quickly, while the master vendor lot gives one point of contact for rentals across many departments.
Next Steps
The initial term ends on 16 December 2026, so check the 271_24 page on espo.org now for ESPO's extension decision. Appointed suppliers should have availability, delivery times and rates ready for winter demand. Others should gather public sector rental case studies and fleet availability evidence for the re-tender.
How Athena Can Help
Whether 271_24 is extended or re-tendered, Athena can help you prepare. Our framework bid preparation service picks the lots that match your fleet and writes evidence-led responses on availability and response times.
For appointed suppliers, our bid and pricing support helps win further competitions, including master vendor schemes, and our public sector rental bids service supports direct council hire tenders with pricing that keeps utilisation profitable, plus a compliance check on each submission.
