Tender

Ask AI about this notice

Summarise, research or assess it with AI

View Markdown

Share this notice

Send this contract to a colleague

Provision of School & Local Transport Services, Oban & Lorn

ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

12 Jun 2026 at 00:00

OJEU - F14 - Corrigendum
Tender

15 May 2026 at 00:00

OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Argyll and Bute Council is inviting tenders for the provision of school and local transport services within the areas of Oban and Lorn. This procurement falls under the services category, with the procurement taking place through an open procedure. The key procurement milestone includes an updated tender deadline of 17th June 2026, with bids to be opened on the same day. The contract is expected to commence on 17th August 2026 and will run until 28th June 2031, with the possibility of a two-year extension subject to satisfactory performance. The opportunity is situated in the region of Argyll and Bute, classified under CPV code 60000000.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for transport operators seeking to expand within the UK services sector, particularly in the realm of public transportation. Companies with expertise in providing safe, reliable, and efficient transport services, and capable of handling both school and local transport requirements, are well-positioned to compete for this contract. The council is seeking operators with robust capacity and cost-effective pricing strategies, highlighted by the 75% emphasis on pricing in the award criteria. Moreover, businesses able to comply with electronic submission and invoicing practices will find themselves particularly well-aligned with the contract's requirements, offering an essential step towards long-term contractual partnerships with the council.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

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.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000831923
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUN557918
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F14 - Corrigendum
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
17 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

Buyer & Supplier

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

Further Information

Notice Documents

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. 

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-r6ebe6-0000831923-2026-06-12T00:00:00Z",
    "date": "2026-06-12T00:00:00Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-r6ebe6-0000831923",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "org-87",
            "name": "Argyll and Bute Council",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Argyll and Bute Council"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Kilmory",
                "locality": "Lochgilphead",
                "region": "UKM",
                "postalCode": "PA31 8RT"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Annabel Travers",
                "email": "annabel.travers@argyll-bute.gov.uk",
                "url": "http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "Regional or local authority",
                        "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE"
                    },
                    {
                        "id": "01",
                        "description": "General public services",
                        "scheme": "COFOG"
                    }
                ],
                "url": "http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk"
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "org-88",
            "name": "Oban Sheriff Court",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Oban Sheriff Court"
            },
            "address": {
                "locality": "Oban"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "url": "http://"
            },
            "roles": [
                "reviewBody"
            ]
        },
        {
            "id": "org-4",
            "name": "Argyll and Bute Council",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Argyll and Bute Council"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Kilmory",
                "locality": "Lochgilphead",
                "region": "UKM",
                "postalCode": "PA31 8RT"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Annabel Travers",
                "email": "annabel.travers@argyll-bute.gov.uk",
                "url": "http://"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk"
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "name": "Argyll and Bute Council",
        "id": "org-4"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "1303N; 1304N; 1307N; 1308Q; 1310S; 1311P; 1325T; 1430M",
        "title": "Provision of School & Local Transport Services, Oban & Lorn",
        "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.",
        "status": "active",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "60000000",
                        "scheme": "CPV"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryLocation": {
                    "description": "Argyll and Bute"
                },
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKM63"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "submissionMethod": [
            "electronicSubmission"
        ],
        "submissionMethodDetails": "http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk",
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-06-15T12:00:00Z"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "startDate": "2026-06-16T12:00:00Z"
        },
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "MAY555950",
                "documentType": "contractNotice",
                "title": "Provision of School & Local Transport Services, Oban & Lorn",
                "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.",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAY555950",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "economic",
                "documentType": "economicSelectionCriteria"
            },
            {
                "id": "technical",
                "documentType": "technicalSelectionCriteria"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-1",
                "title": "Invitation to Tender",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=1",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:17Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-05-15T13:35:17Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-2",
                "title": "1303 SS1",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=2",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:17Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-05-15T13:35:17Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-3",
                "title": "1303N TS1A",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=3",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:17Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-06-12T14:21:31Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-4",
                "title": "1304N TS1A",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=4",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-06-12T14:22:36Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-5",
                "title": "1307 SS1",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=5",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-6",
                "title": "1307N TS1A",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=6",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-7",
                "title": "1308 SS1",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=7",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-8",
                "title": "1308Q TS1A",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=8",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-06-12T14:24:02Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-9",
                "title": "1310 SS1",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=9",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-10",
                "title": "1310S TS1A.",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=10",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-06-12T14:25:26Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-11",
                "title": "1311 SS1",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=11",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-12",
                "title": "1311P TS1A",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=12",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-06-12T14:26:44Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-13",
                "title": "1325 SS1",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=13",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-14",
                "title": "1325T TS1A",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=14",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-15",
                "title": "1430 SS1",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=15",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-16",
                "title": "1430M TS1A",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=16",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-17",
                "title": "Community Benefits - Guidance",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=17",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-18",
                "title": "Pricing & Capacity",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=18",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-05-15T13:35:18Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-19",
                "title": "1303N TS1A v2",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=19",
                "datePublished": "2026-06-12T14:21:31Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-06-12T14:21:31Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-20",
                "title": "1304N TS1A v2",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=20",
                "datePublished": "2026-06-12T14:22:36Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-06-12T14:22:36Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-21",
                "title": "1308Q TS1A v2",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=21",
                "datePublished": "2026-06-12T14:24:02Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-06-12T14:24:02Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-22",
                "title": "1310S TS1A v2",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=22",
                "datePublished": "2026-06-12T14:25:26Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-06-12T14:25:26Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "MAY555950-23",
                "title": "1311P TS1A v2",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=MAY555950&idx=23",
                "datePublished": "2026-06-12T14:26:44Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-06-12T14:26:44Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            }
        ],
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "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.",
                "status": "active",
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Capacity",
                            "description": "5%"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "description": "75%"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "options": {
                    "description": "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."
                },
                "hasOptions": true,
                "submissionTerms": {
                    "variantPolicy": "notAllowed"
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-08-17T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2031-06-28T00:00:00Z"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "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."
                }
            }
        ],
        "bidOpening": {
            "date": "2026-06-16T12:00:00Z",
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "On-line via PCS Post-box."
            }
        },
        "communication": {
            "atypicalToolUrl": "http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk"
        },
        "contractTerms": {
            "hasElectronicPayment": true,
            "hasElectronicOrdering": true,
            "electronicInvoicingPolicy": "allowed",
            "performanceTerms": "As detailed in the Invitation to Tender."
        },
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "selectionCriteria": {
            "criteria": [
                {
                    "type": "suitability",
                    "description": "As detailed in the Invitation to Tender."
                }
            ]
        },
        "submissionTerms": {
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ],
            "bidValidityPeriod": {
                "durationInDays": 120
            }
        },
        "classification": {
            "id": "60000000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
        },
        "hasRecurrence": true,
        "recurrence": {
            "description": "4 years and 8 months or 6 years and 8 months from award."
        },
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "32014L0024",
            "scheme": "CELEX"
        },
        "amendments": [
            {
                "id": "amd-4",
                "description": "Additional information",
                "unstructuredChanges": [
                    {
                        "oldValue": {
                            "date": "2026-06-15T12:00:00Z"
                        },
                        "newValue": {
                            "date": "2026-06-17T12:00:00Z"
                        },
                        "where": {
                            "section": "IV.2.2",
                            "label": "Time limit"
                        }
                    },
                    {
                        "oldValue": {
                            "date": "2026-06-16T12:00:00Z"
                        },
                        "newValue": {
                            "date": "2026-06-17T12:00:00Z"
                        },
                        "where": {
                            "section": "IV.2.7",
                            "label": "Conditions for opening of tenders"
                        }
                    }
                ]
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "EN",
    "description": "NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=831923. The buyer has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via the Postbox facility. A user guide is available at http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/sitehelp/help_guides.aspx. Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems. The Contracting Authority does not intend to include a sub-contract clause as part of community benefits (as per Section 25 of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014) in this contract for the following reason: Please see the attached Invitation to Tender. Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/ A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows: Please see attached Invitation to Tender. (SC Ref:831923)",
    "links": [
        {
            "rel": "canonical",
            "href": "https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000831923"
        },
        {
            "rel": "canonical",
            "href": "https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000831923"
        }
    ],
    "noticetype": "OJEU - F14 - Corrigendum"
}