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Framework Agreement for the Provision of Specialist Art Transportation Services

National Galleries of Scotland

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

31 Oct 2025 at 15:24

Award Notice
Tender

01 Sep 2025 at 14:42

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The National Galleries of Scotland, located in Edinburgh, is undergoing a public procurement process to establish a Framework Agreement for Specialist Art Transportation Services. This active tender, identified by OCID ocds-h6vhtk-059170 and issued under the open procedure, aims to select a multi-contractor framework covering four lots for both UK and international transport needs. The procurement, launched on 1st September 2025, comes with an anticipated contract value of £450,000 and is open to interested parties until 22nd October 2025. It employs the Open (single stage) procedure and is categorised under transport services. Successful contractors will have the opportunity to compete in mini competitions for specific call-off contracts within a 24-month duration, extendable up to 48 months.

This procurement presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in art logistics, particularly those with capabilities in handling and transporting high-value and delicate items internationally and within the UK. With the requirement for Cyber Essentials Basic Certification, companies can demonstrate a commitment to cybersecurity, potentially gaining a competitive edge. The contract's structure allows multiple participants per lot, enabling various businesses, from niche art handlers to large-scale logistics providers, to bid collaboratively or independently. Firms providing comprehensive logistics solutions, including packaging and technical assistance, will find this an ideal opportunity to expand within the cultural sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Framework Agreement for the Provision of Specialist Art Transportation Services

Notice Description

National Galleries Scotland (NGS) "The Authority" wish to award a multi-lot, multi-Contractor Framework for the Provision of Specialist Art Transportation Services. There are 4 Lots under the Framework Agreement covering the provision of business-as-usual UK movements of works/objects through to multi-national transportation of many works/objects to/from multiple venues across the world. Services will include (but not limited to) packaging, transport, storage, technical assistance, technical advice and project management. Framework Contractors must have a clear understanding of the Contract Requirements and the organisational needs of NGS. For full details of the Contract Requirements, please refer to the associated Invitation to Tender and Framework Agreement documents. There will be no commitment to a minimum volume of work or spend under the Agreement. Mini competitions for Call-Off Contracts will be conducted on an as required basis. Contractors will have no claim against NGS if they are not awarded any work through Call-Off Contracts. There is no commitment to a minimum spend over the duration of the Framework Agreement. Under this Agreement, no minimum spend is guaranteed. It is a requirement that Framework Contractors as a minimum, hold or commit to obtain prior to the award of contract, a valid Cyber Essentials Basic Certification (or equivalent) in place throughout the duration of the Framework Agreement.

Lot Information

International & Worldwide Exhibition Transport & Single Transfers (including airport requirements)

To provide international and worldwide exhibition transport including co-ordination of the complete logistics package associated with exhibitions from collection from lenders to return at the end of the exhibition, including airport requirements. International & worldwide single transfers, including packing, storage and part-load transfer where appropriate, and associated airport requirements, are also included under this Lot 1. The procurement will be conducted through the use of the Open (single stage) procedure. A position on Lot 1 will be awarded to the 5 Tenderers who score the highest overall marks in accordance with our Tender Evaluation Methodology detailed within the Invitation to Tender (ITT) document. Bidders must complete and return an SPD (Scotland) form along with their tender submission for Lot 1 (and any other lots they are tendering for). Economic Operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in Regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Options: NGS reserves the right to issue a contract modification in terms of Regulation 72 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Renewal: The initial duration of the Framework Agreement will be 24 months, with the option to extend by up to two (2) additional periods of up to twelve (12) months each.

Exhibition Transport within the UK (excluding airport requirements)

To provide exhibition transport including co-ordination of the complete logistics package associated with exhibitions from collection from lenders to return at the end of the exhibition for UK loans exhibitions. The procurement will be conducted through the use of the Open (single stage) procedure. A position on Lot 2 will be awarded to the 5 Tenderers who score the highest overall marks in accordance with our Tender Evaluation Methodology detailed within the Invitation to Tender (ITT) document. Bidders must complete and return an SPD (Scotland) form along with their tender submission for Lot 2 (and any other lots they are tendering for). Economic Operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in Regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Options: NGS reserves the right to issue a contract modification in terms of Regulation 72 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Renewal: The initial duration of the Framework Agreement will be 24 months, with the option to extend by up to two (2) additional periods of up to twelve (12) months each.

Transport for Specialist Requirements

To provide fine art and object packing, occasional storage and transportation services for works requiring specialist handling and removal (for example large sculpture, works containing hazardous substances etc.). The procurement will be conducted through the use of the Open (single stage) procedure. A position on Lot 3 will be awarded to the 5 Tenderers who score the highest overall marks in accordance with our Tender Evaluation Methodology detailed within the Invitation to Tender (ITT) document. Bidders must complete and return an SPD (Scotland) form along with their tender submission for Lot 3 (and any other lots they are tendering for). Economic Operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in Regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Options: NGS reserves the right to issue a contract modification in terms of Regulation 72 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Renewal: The initial duration of the Framework Agreement will be 24 months, with the option to extend by up to two (2) additional periods of up to twelve (12) months each.

UK Single Transfers (excluding airport requirements)

To provide fine art and object packing, occasional storage and transportation services, including part-load transfer where appropriate, excluding airport requirements and restricted to the UK. The procurement will be conducted through the use of the Open (single stage) procedure. A position on Lot 4 will be awarded to the 5 Tenderers who score the highest overall marks in accordance with our Tender Evaluation Methodology detailed within the Invitation to Tender (ITT) document. Bidders must complete and return an SPD (Scotland) form along with their tender submission for Lot 4 (and any other lots they are tendering for). Economic Operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in Regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Options: NGS reserves the right to issue a contract modification in terms of Regulation 72 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Renewal: The initial duration of the Framework Agreement will be 24 months, with the option to extend by up to two (2) additional periods of up to twelve (12) months each.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-059170
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/070176-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

CPV Codes

33952000 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£450,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
31 Oct 20259 months ago
Submission Deadline
22 Oct 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
31 Oct 20259 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
National Galleries Scotland may re-let this Framework Agreement prior to the end of the initial 24 month period. A Contract Notice will be published circa. 12-18 months prior to the end of the initial period. If not, the option to extend will be used.

Notice Status

Tender Status
Unsuccessful
Lots Status
Cancelled
Awards Status
Unsuccessful
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
National Galleries of Scotland
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH4 3DS
Postcode Area
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM75 City of Edinburgh
Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
Inverleith
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh West

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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