Provision of Election Night Flight Services

ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

08 Jun 2026 at 08:20

Summary of the contracting process

Argyll and Bute Council is seeking tenders for the Provision of Election Night Flight Services, classified under the hire of helicopters with crew. Located in Argyll and Bute, UK, this service is crucial for transporting ballot boxes and election materials from island locations to Lochgilphead to ensure timely ballot counting. The procurement process is currently at the tender stage, having commenced on 8th June 2026, with a submission deadline on 17th July 2026. The contract period is set to begin on 1st September 2026, lasting until 31st August 2031, with a potential two-year extension. The procurement method is an open procedure, allowing for electronic submissions.

This tender provides significant opportunities for businesses in the aviation sector, particularly those specialising in helicopter services with operational delivery capabilities. Businesses with strengths in timeliness, safety, risk management, and community engagement would be well-suited for this contract, given these aspects are key evaluation criteria. With its focus on ensuring the effective transportation of sensitive election materials, the contract offers a stable, long-term opportunity, which can catalyse growth for firms capable of meeting rigorous service requirements. The possibility of a contract extension adds further business potential, encouraging strategies for continuous improvement and collaboration with the council.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Provision of Election Night Flight Services

Notice Description

The objective of this Service is to ensure the safe, secure and timely transportation of ballot boxes and election materials from designated island locations to Lochgilphead to enable the ballot counting process to commence as scheduled.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The objective of this Service is to ensure the safe, secure and timely transportation of ballot boxes and election materials from designated island locations to Lochgilphead to enable the ballot counting process to commence as scheduled.

Renewal: The Contract may be extended for up to 2 years at the option of Argyll and Bute Council, subject to satisfactory performance of the Contract and following discussions with the successful Tenderer.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06af4a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/053594-2026
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

60424120 - Hire of helicopters with crew

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 Jun 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
17 Jul 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
4 years, 6 months or 6 years, 6 months

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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