Planning

Secure Transport and Escort of Children

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

08 May 2026 at 00:00

OJEU - F1 - Prior Information Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Scottish Government is in the planning stages for a procurement process titled "Secure Transport and Escort of Children." The procurement falls under the services category and targets the safe transport and escort of children between various locations such as courts, secure centres, and hospitals across Scotland. It includes planned and unplanned escorts, custody supervision, and transfer arrangements for children under 18 who are under the care of Scottish Ministers. The procurement process is currently in the planning stage, with a future notice date set for 26 June 2026. Interested parties must submit information by 12:00 noon on 29 May 2026. The contract is expected to begin in January 2027, with an initial period of 36 months and the possibility of a 24-month extension. The total contract value could reach up to £720,000 if extended. The procurement is covered by the GPA and adheres to the CELEX legal basis 32014L0024.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses specialising in secure transport services, particularly those experienced in handling sensitive services for children. Companies that provide tailored, trauma-informed care and have capabilities in logistics and coordination across Scotland would be well-suited for this opportunity. The competitive procurement process provides a chance to contribute to Scotland's child-centred justice system and grow within a substantial government contract. Businesses interested in this opportunity are encouraged to engage by completing the provided Microsoft Form Request for Information before the deadline to inform the final specifications of the requirement. Depending on interest, the Scottish Government may organise a Suppliers' Day to further engage with potential bidders.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Secure Transport and Escort of Children

Notice Description

Secure Transport and Escort of Children between courts, secure centres, hospitals, and other premises across Scotland.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Scottish Ministers are responsible for the placement and management of children under the age of 18 who are sentenced to detention by the courts, including responsibility for their secure transportation. Legislative changes introduced through the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act 2024 reinforce Scotland's commitment to a rights-based, trauma-informed, child-centred justice system. The service will provide secure transport and escort services for children between courts, secure centres, hospitals, and other premises across Scotland. This will include, but is not limited to planned, unplanned and standby escorts, and custody and supervision at court, and transfer arrangements when a child reaches the age of 18, where required. The Service will only cover children whose secure transport and escort are the responsibility of Scottish Ministers. The contract is anticipated to commence in January 2027 for a period of 36 months with the option to extend by up to a further 24 months. The contract value is projected at 160,000 GBP per annum. The initial contract period value is not anticipated to exceed 480,000 GBP. If extended by a further 24 months, then the total contract value is not anticipated to exceed 720,000 GBP. All information published in this Prior Information Notice is subject to change. The Scottish Government is currently engaging with internal policy areas and key stakeholders to finalise the Specifications for this requirement. The Scottish Government reserve the right not to proceed at any point with the procurement.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000831266
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAY555463
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F1 - Prior Information Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

75 - Administration, defence and social security services

CPV Codes

60130000 - Special-purpose road passenger-transport services

75231220 - Prisoner-escort services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£720,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 May 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
26 Jun 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
GLASGOW
Postcode
G2 8LU
Post Town
Glasgow
Country
Scotland
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM3 West Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM32 Glasgow City
Delivery Location
TLM Scotland
Local Authority
Glasgow City
Electoral Ward
Anderston/City/Yorkhill
Westminster Constituency
Glasgow North

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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