Tender

Strategic Digital Partner for Website and Mobile Applications

CALMAC FERRIES LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

02 Feb 2026 at 11:12

Summary of the contracting process

CalMac Ferries Limited, a public law body and ferry operator, has initiated a procurement process seeking a strategic digital partner to manage and enhance its digital platform, which includes three public-facing websites and mobile applications critical for ferry services and customer communications. This tender, titled "Strategic Digital Partner for Website and Mobile Applications," falls under the IT services category and is valued at £7,500,000. It operates within the region of the United Kingdom (UKM). As part of a competitive procedure with negotiation, the current procurement stage is tender, with submissions closing on 4th March 2026. The selected partner will handle ongoing support, infrastructure management, and continuous improvements on the existing platform, ensuring compliance with various standards and maintaining the long-term digital vision of CalMac Ferries. The procurement method is selective, involving electronic submissions and communications.

This tender provides substantial opportunities for companies in the IT sector, particularly those experienced in digital infrastructure, software development, and system integration. Businesses capable of delivering robust and scalable digital solutions, offering technical support, and advancing digital innovation are well-suited to compete. Moreover, those interested in contributing to community benefits and showcasing skills development initiatives, local employment, and engagement in STEM education will be favoured. Companies meeting financial criteria like a minimum annual turnover of £7,500,000, alongside specific insurance requirements, are encouraged to apply. The project promises extended engagement opportunities, contingent on performance, with a potential renewal period extending up to an additional 24 months post the initial three-year term.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Strategic Digital Partner for Website and Mobile Applications

Notice Description

CalMac Ferries operates a business-critical digital platform comprising three public-facing websites (CalMac Consumer, CalMac Corporate, and David MacBrayne Group) and native mobile applications for iOS and Android. This platform is central to delivering ferry services, customer communications, and operational support. The current solution is built on Umbraco CMS, hosted in Microsoft Azure, and integrates with multiple internal and third-party systems, including booking, messaging, and analytics. It supports real-time service updates, timetables, and customer notifications, and is aligned with CalMac's Digital North Star roadmap, which aims to create a seamless, data-driven customer experience. CalMac now seeks a strategic digital partner to provide: -Ongoing support and maintenance of the existing platform. -Hosting and infrastructure management within Azure. -Continuous improvement and iterative enhancements under CalMac's governance. -Compliance with security, accessibility, and regulatory standards. -Capability to deliver future integrations and innovation through structured change control. The partner will act as a delivery partner, not a strategic owner, ensuring stability, scalability, and resilience while supporting CalMac's long-term digital vision.

Lot Information

Lot 1

CalMac Ferries operates a business-critical digital platform comprising three public-facing websites (CalMac Consumer, CalMac Corporate, and David MacBrayne Group) and native mobile applications for iOS and Android. This platform is central to delivering ferry services, customer communications, and operational support. The current solution is built on Umbraco CMS, hosted in Microsoft Azure, and integrates with multiple internal and third-party systems, including booking, messaging, and analytics. It supports real-time service updates, timetables, and customer notifications, and is aligned with CalMac's Digital North Star roadmap, which aims to create a seamless, data-driven customer experience. CalMac now seeks a strategic digital partner to provide: -Ongoing support and maintenance of the existing platform. -Hosting and infrastructure management within Azure. -Continuous improvement and iterative enhancements under CalMac's governance. -Compliance with security, accessibility, and regulatory standards. -Capability to deliver future integrations and innovation through structured change control. The partner will act as a delivery partner, not a strategic owner, ensuring stability, scalability, and resilience while supporting CalMac's long-term digital vision.

Renewal: The initial term will run for a period of 3 years, after which there will be the option to extend by up to an additional 24 months.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0613f4
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/008846-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive procedure with negotiation
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support


CPV Codes

72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£7,500,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Feb 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
4 Mar 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CALMAC FERRIES LIMITED
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
ruairidh.black@calmac.co.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1475650230

Buyer Location

Locality
GOUROCK
Postcode
PA19 1QP
Post Town
Paisley
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM3 West Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM33 Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire, and Renfrewshire
Delivery Location
TLM Scotland

Local Authority
Inverclyde
Electoral Ward
Inverclyde West
Westminster Constituency
Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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