This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

30 Jul 2026 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

The Scottish Government is inviting bids for an open procedure tender titled "Directorate for Education Review Of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig." This procurement, managed by the Scottish Government on behalf of the Scottish Ministers, aims to commission independent social research for the review of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (SMO). With a total budget of £90,000, the contract is particularly directed towards services in the economic affairs and general public services categories. The process is currently at the tender stage, with the submission deadline set for 28th August 2026. The procurement falls under the services industry category and is expected to be predominantly carried out in Scotland, with Glasgow being the key location addressed by the tender. The anticipated contract period is from 28th September 2026 to 31st March 2027, with potential for extensions under specific circumstances.

This tender presents an excellent opportunity for organisations specialising in Gaelic language, education, and cultural identity to collaborate and offer comprehensive insights that will form part of a strategic review to inform educational policies. Companies with expertise in post-school education, financial analysis, and the provision of robust evidence-based research methodologies will find this tender particularly attractive. The procurement method is open, favouring electronic submissions and requiring a high level of insurance cover, which ensures that only serious contenders enter the bidding process. Successful bidders will have the chance to influence the strategic direction of SMO, contributing to its enhancement as Scotland’s national centre for Gaelic language, education, and culture, thereby providing substantial growth opportunities for businesses involved.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Directorate for Education Review Of Sabhal Mor Ostaig

Notice Description

The Scottish Government, on behalf of the Scottish Ministers, is commissioning independent social research for the Scottish Government's review of Sabhal Mor Ostaig (SMO).

Lot Information

Lot 1

The Scottish Languages Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament in June 2025. The Bill received Royal Assent on 31 July 2025 and became an Act of Parliament on 1 August 2025. The regulations activate Section 32 of the Act in full on 15 September 2026, triggering the legal obligation on Scottish Ministers to carry out a review of SMO. It also starts the statutory timetable of 12 months during which Scottish Ministers must complete the review and use it to inform a report which must then be published and laid before the Scottish Parliament. A key aim of the review is to provide robust evidence based research findings. It will focus on SMO's funding and collate stakeholder views on its status and future development. This will inform ministerial decisions on strategic direction, including where enhancements to SMO's functions, operating model (including improved ways of working), financial sustainability (including income generation), and strategic impact could provide greatest value and strengthen SMO's role a as Scotland's national centre for Gaelic language, education and culture.. Collaborative bids are welcomed, particularly those combining expertise in Gaelic language, education, culture and identity; post-school education, training and skills in Scotland in particular further and higher education; and the review, analysis and reporting of financial information.

Renewal: Only where necessary due to any exceptional circumstances or for contingency purposes, the contract may be extended by up to two one-month periods, with any extension ending no later than 31 May 2027.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000838710
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL561206
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
PCS Notice - Website Contract 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

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security


CPV Codes

79315000 - Social research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£90,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
£90,000 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
28 Aug 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
28 Sep 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

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

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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