Compressed Air Systems Servicing & Inspection 2026

What DVSA want to achieve:

Through this Preliminary Market Engagement notice, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is seeking to notify the market that it will soon release a tender for the servicing, inspection, maintenance and repair of its compressed air equipment.

DVSA intends to appoint a single supplier capable of providing a national service across Great Britain for its still in service 16 air compressor equipment. In addition to planned and reactive maintenance activities, there may be a limited requirement for the supply and installation of replacement compressor units where existing equipment is deemed beyond economical repair.

The compressor estate varies significantly in age and specification, with assets ranging from approximately one year old to almost forty years old. The successful supplier will therefore need to demonstrate the capability to maintain and support equipment of differing ages and configurations.

DVSA is continuing its strategic programme of transforming vehicle testing services by reducing the number of Government Vehicle Testing Stations (GVTS) and increasing the use of privately operated Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) and Vehicle Examination Facilities (VEFs). This approach brings testing services closer to vehicle operators and maintainers while supporting a more flexible and efficient delivery model.

As a result of this ongoing estate rationalisation programme, DVSA anticipates that the number of operational sites requiring air compressor support will reduce from 16 to approximately 9 over the duration of the contract.

The objective of this future tender is to secure a single supplier that can provide a cost-effective, reliable and nationally coordinated maintenance service throughout this period of the contract, ensuring the continued safe and efficient operation of DVSA's compressed air equipment.