This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

12 Jun 2026 at 13:41

Tender

15 May 2026 at 12:23

Summary of the contracting process

Argyll and Bute Council is inviting tenders for the provision of school and local transport services within Oban and Lorn. This procurement falls under the services category, specifically focused on transport services excluding waste transport. The council has amended the initial tender timeline, extending key deadlines to 17th June 2026. The procurement process is at the tender stage, utilising an open procedure method covered by the GPA agreement, and businesses can submit their electronic responses via the Public Contracts Scotland website.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for transport operators looking to expand their business in the public sector, especially those with expertise in providing safe and reliable local transport services. Ideal candidates are companies with strong capabilities in capacity management, environmental initiatives, and fleet maintenance, as well as those committed to quality customer communication and community benefits. This contract offers the possibility of an initial term until June 2031, with potential extensions, providing a stable and long-term growth opportunity for the successful bidder.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Provision of School & Local Transport Services, Oban & Lorn

Notice Description

Argyll and Bute Council are looking to Contract with a transport operator who will provide safe and secure school and local transport services within Oban and Lorn.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Argyll and Bute Council are looking to Contract with a transport operator who will provide safe and secure school and local transport services within Oban and Lorn.

Options: Where specific journeys within the TS1A documents (timetables) are identified as optional or subject to Council approval, the Tenderer shall provide separate and clearly identifiable prices for those journeys as detailed in Part 3: Specification and the Pricing Schedule. Prices for these services shall be submitted in addition to the core Contract price and must not be incorporated into the base price for the Contract unless explicitly instructed. The Council reserves the right, at Contract Award stage or at any point during the Contract Period, to: - Include all, some or none of the separately priced journeys; - Instruct their commencement or cessation; or - Vary the scope of the Contract accordingly, without this giving rise to any entitlement to compensation beyond the agreed prices submitted for those services.

Renewal: The contract end date (28/06/2031) is indicative only and is expected to occur immediately after schools close for the summer in 2031. The Contract may be extended for a further period of up to two (2) years at the Council's discretion, subject to satisfactory performance and following agreement with the Contractor.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069a01
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055779-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
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

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
12 Jun 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
15 Jun 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
16 Aug 2026 - 28 Jun 2031 4-5 years
Recurrence
4 years and 8 months or 6 years and 8 months from award.

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LOCHGILPHEAD
Postcode
PA31 8RT
Post Town
Paisley
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM2 Highlands and Islands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM20 Highlands and Islands
Delivery Location
TLM63 Lochaber, Skye and Lochalsh, Arran and Cumbrae, and Argyll and Bute

Local Authority
Argyll and Bute
Electoral Ward
Mid Argyll
Westminster Constituency
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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