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Framework Agreement for Gourock and Dunoon Replacement Bus Services

CalMac Ferries Limited

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

31 Jul 2026 at 12:36

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

CalMac Ferries Limited is seeking bus operators to provide replacement passenger transport for complete interruptions to ferry services on the Gourock and Dunoon routes, when no vessels are operating. The requirement is a framework agreement for rapid mobilisation, supporting continuity of passenger movement during ferry disruptions. It is divided into separate Gourock and Dunoon services, with work delivered in those respective locations. The preferred vehicles should carry approximately 70 passengers, although this is not a fixed capacity limit. The service is classified as the hire of passenger transport vehicles with drivers. This opportunity suits operators able to provide compliant bus services at short notice in support of ferry operations and Transport Scotland requirements.

The process has reached tender: CalMac Ferries Limited invited offers through an open procedure for a framework agreement. Bids were to be submitted electronically in English by 31 August 2026 at 12:00, with bid opening at the same time; submitted bids were to remain valid for 90 days. The framework covers 720 days, with an option to extend by a further 24 months. Its estimated total value is GBP 600,000, divided into two lots of GBP 300,000 each: Gourock and Dunoon. Evaluation is weighted 80% price and 20% technical quality. Variants are not allowed. The framework is intended to have one participant. Electronic ordering and payment apply, and electronic invoicing is allowed.

This opportunity is suited to established passenger transport operators with the vehicles, drivers and operational capacity to mobilise replacement bus services during ferry interruptions. Bidders must provide staff names and qualifications and demonstrate the financial strength needed to perform the framework. The required financial tests include return on capital employed above zero, a current ratio above one, gearing below 100%, and interest coverage of at least two, based on the latest published accounts. Suppliers must already hold, or commit to obtain before contract commencement, employer’s liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance at the required levels. Operators able to coordinate rapid deployment in Gourock and Dunoon, maintain reliable passenger capacity and meet public-sector compliance requirements are well placed to compete.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Framework Agreement for Gourock and Dunoon Replacement Bus Services

Notice Description

CalMac Ferries Ltd (CFL) is required to establish a Framework Agreement, in line with Transport Scotland requirements, for the provision of a replacement bus service. This service will be deployed in circumstances where there is a complete interruption to ferry operations, specifically when no vessels are operating on the Gourock and Dunoon routes. The Framework will ensure continuity of passenger movement during such disruptions and provide CFL with a compliant, pre-arranged mechanism for rapid mobilisation. The preferred bus capacity should hold approximately 70 passengers, but is not limited to this number.

Lot Information

Framework Agreement for Gourock Replacement Bus Services

CalMac Ferries Ltd (CFL) is required to establish a Framework Agreement, in line with Transport Scotland requirements, for the provision of a replacement bus service. This service will be deployed in circumstances where there is a complete interruption to ferry operations, specifically when no vessels are operating on the Gourock and Dunoon routes. The Framework will ensure continuity of passenger movement during such disruptions and provide CFL with a compliant, pre-arranged mechanism for rapid mobilisation. The preferred bus capacity should hold approximately 70 passengers, but is not limited to this number.

Renewal: Options to extend by a further 24 months.

Framework Agreement for Dunoon Replacement Bus Services

CalMac Ferries Ltd (CFL) is required to establish a Framework Agreement, in line with Transport Scotland requirements, for the provision of a replacement bus service. This service will be deployed in circumstances where there is a complete interruption to ferry operations, specifically when no vessels are operating on the Gourock and Dunoon routes. The Framework will ensure continuity of passenger movement during such disruptions and provide CFL with a compliant, pre-arranged mechanism for rapid mobilisation. The preferred bus capacity should hold approximately 70 passengers, but is not limited to this number.

Renewal: Options to extend by a further 24 months.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06d8bd
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/072685-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

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

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

CPV Codes

60170000 - Hire of passenger transport vehicles with driver

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£600,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
£600,000 £500K-£1M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
31 Jul 20262 months ago
Submission Deadline
31 Aug 2026Expired
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
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
GOUROCK
Postcode
PA19 1QP
Postcode Area
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

Further Information

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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