Council chiefs are looking to secure a provider to transport bodies from the place of death to mortuary facilities.
Nottingham City Council has launched the process on behalf of the HM Coroners Service for the city and county councils respectively.
The provider is sought for more than three years, starting from April 1 at a maximum cost of £240,000 to the city authority.
A city council report states: "Nottingham City Council are the lead authority providing a service for the whole county on behalf of Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, with the county paying half of the costs of running the service (total cost £480,000).
"When a person dies and the death is one which is potentially referred to HM Coroner, the body has to be taken to a mortuary for the purpose of post-mortem examination.
"A contract is required to ensure this transportation takes place appropriately, within agreed timeframes and with due sensitivity and care.
"Significant consultation has been undertaken with emergency services and local funeral directors to ensure appropriate management of the use of the services and the occasions upon with the current providers are called to deliver transportation services and this has seen a recent reduction in cost to the council.
"A new model for the delivery of the services based on geographical zones has been established.
"It is believed that the new model will ensure cost-effective and efficient delivery of the services in accordance with how the market operates.
"The procurement process could therefore result in one contract with one provider for all zones or a number of different providers delivering the services over different zones. The existing contract is due to expire and so a replacement contract is required."
