This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

31 Jul 2026 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

CalMac Ferries Limited has initiated a tender process for establishing a Framework Agreement to provide replacement bus services on the Gourock and Dunoon routes in the event of ferry operation disruptions. This procurement exercise, aligned with Transport Scotland's requirements, aims to ensure continuity of passenger transport when no vessels are operating. The procurement falls under the services category and is using an open procedure method. Business entities interested in participating should note the tender will close on 31st August 2026 at 12:00 PM, with awards potentially starting immediately afterwards. The services required are expected to accommodate approximately 70 passengers per bus. The main locations for this procurement are Gourock and Dunoon, within the UKM region.

This tender provides an excellent opportunity for businesses within the passenger transportation industry, particularly those adept at swiftly mobilising large-scale bus operations. Companies experienced in managing and operating large-capacity buses and those well-versed in emergency transport scenarios are well-suited to compete. The framework, with an estimated value of £600,000, involves a long-term engagement with options for extension, offering substantial room for growth. Firms fulfilling the contract must demonstrate robust economic standing and possess requisite insurance covers, making this tender particularly appealing to established players capable of meeting the specified technical and financial criteria.

How relevant is this notice?

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.

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 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline
31 Aug 20264 weeks to go
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

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
Post Town
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)

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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