7 The key steps and activities in the specification and procurement process are set out in Figure 19 overleaf and are advised to bidders on the Department's website.
8 The first step in the procurement process is the release of a Prior Information Notice which sets out the anticipated programme for procuring a specific franchise or franchises and includes a brief specification of what the relevant franchise or franchises will comprise and likely procurement programme dates. Secondly, advertisements are placed in domestic, European and international journals, trade press and other publications informing potential applicants of the opportunity in more detail and asking for expressions of interest. Those interested are able to download a pre-qualification document pack from the Department's website.
9 In parallel with pre-qualifying bidders, the Department undertakes a consultation exercise relating to the services which it proposes to include in the franchise contract. This consultation precedes approval of the base service specification and issuance of the tender documentation. The consultation provides an opportunity for rail users, Passenger Focus, London Travelwatch (where appropriate) and local authorities to comment on the pattern of services (see Section 1, paragraphs 1.8 to 1.11) and options they may wish to pursue.
10 The base service specification sets out the frequency of services to be provided to destinations along the route(s) and any other essential requirements. A bid which does not comply with the base service specification will be rejected. Bidders are, however, free to include bidder generated options. Those most likely to be accepted are ones which do not make additional demands on Government funding, e.g. station improvements which pay for themselves by generating increased passenger numbers. Other options might propose changes to a service pattern that would improve reliability or the financial performance of the franchise, while going beyond the bounds set in base service specification.