I wonder if the Invitation to Tender could be further delayed by the general election? There is currently purdah for the local elections, then general election purdah will start around the time local election purdah ends. Unless there is a couple of days gap after the local elections to publish it then mid-June would be the next opportunity, and probably later if a different ministerial team is appointed ...
I shouldn't be surprised; we'll have to keep our ears to the ground. Meanwhile the Chairman and I have emailed our respective unitary authorities (NECL & NCL) suggesting they seek representation on East Midlands Councils's transport committee.