Administration of FORS

Description

This notice is issued to determine market interest in the forthcoming re-tender of the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Administration Concession Contract, which is currently anticipated to expire in early 2027. Transport for London (TfL) is seeking to engage with potential providers ahead of this future procurement opportunity. Further details regarding the tender process will be shared in due course. Please note that all dates referenced are indicative and subject to change. The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is an accreditation scheme to incentivise and recognise exemplary best practice for freight vehicle and fleet safety, efficiency and environmental standards for freight operators. The scheme audits fleet vehicle operators and awards bronze, silver and gold accreditations by asking them to demonstrate exceptional levels of best practice in safety and efficiency. Currently FORS has approximately 4,700 operators and over 100,000 vehicles signed up to the scheme from across the UK and European Union. The scheme commits fleet operators to achieve high vehicle and driving standards relating to road safety, and environmental performance. Encouraging fleet operators to take part in the FORS scheme is an important part of the Mayor's Vision Zero goal to eliminate death and serious injury manage Work Related Road Risk (WRRR) on the transport network and its commitment for London to become a zero-carbon city by 2030. Additionally, since April 2024, all GLA group contracts over £1m involving vehicles, require that suppliers must be accredited to the highest FORS Gold standard, whilst suppliers of contracts under £1m are required to be FORS Silver standard accredited. FORS was originally established as a voluntary scheme by TfL in 2008 and its initial popularity led to its growth firstly in London, and then across the UK, whilst it was free to members, and fully funded by TfL. To make the scheme finally sustainable and grow it even further, it was decided in 2013 to concession out the management of FORS, funded directly by member subscription fees. TfL has retained the ownership of the FORS brand and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) to all FORS materials including documents, images and software. The Concessionaire is responsible for managing and protecting the FORS brand as part of the contract requirements but has no additional rights to use the FORS brand or IPR unless expressly permitted to do so. A primary aim for the concessionaire will also be to grow the membership of the scheme, both domestically and internationally.