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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 01:00

OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice
Summary of the contracting process

CalMac Ferries Limited is procuring replacement bus services for passengers when ferry operations on the Gourock and Dunoon routes are completely interrupted and no vessels are operating. The requirement is a framework agreement providing a pre-arranged service that can be mobilised rapidly to maintain passenger movement during disruptions. It is divided between services for Gourock and services for Dunoon, with delivery in those locations. Buses should preferably accommodate approximately 70 passengers, although this is not a fixed limit. This is a passenger transport service opportunity, classified under CPV 60170000. The framework is intended to support continuity of ferry services and must meet Transport Scotland requirements.

The procurement has reached tender: CalMac Ferries Limited invited offers through an open procedure, with electronic submission. The deadline for bids and the bid opening was 31 August 2026 at 12:00 UTC; award activity was scheduled to start at that time. The estimated value is GBP 600,000 overall, with each of the Gourock and Dunoon lots valued at GBP 300,000. Each lot has a 720-day contract period and an option to extend by a further 24 months. Evaluation is based on price at 80% and technical quality at 20%; variants are not allowed. The framework allows one participant. Bids must remain valid for 90 days and be submitted in English. Electronic payment and ordering will be used, with electronic invoicing allowed.

This opportunity suits established bus and passenger transport operators able to provide vehicles and drivers for rapid mobilisation in Gourock and Dunoon. Suppliers should have capacity to carry approximately 70 passengers per bus, while being able to accommodate the operational requirement when ferry services are disrupted. The buyer requires staff names and qualifications as part of the bid, so bidders need suitably qualified personnel and reliable workforce planning. Financially robust businesses are best placed to compete: bidders must show positive return on capital employed, a current ratio above 1, gearing below 100% and interest cover of at least 2, based on their latest published accounts. They must also hold, or obtain before contract start, GBP 1 million employer’s liability and GBP 1 million professional indemnity insurance.

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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-r6ebe6-0000838966
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL561358
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F2 - Contract 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

Notice Documents

  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL561358
    Framework Agreement for Gourock and 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.

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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