--- title: "DCAF - Secure Transport and Escort of Children to Scottish Ministers" ocid: "ocds-r6ebe6-0000836392" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000836392" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000836392.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000836392.json" source: "Public Contracts Scotland" current_stage: "Tender" buyer: "SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT" published: "2026-07-06" --- # DCAF - Secure Transport and Escort of Children to Scottish Ministers Buyer: SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Current stage: Tender OCID: ocds-r6ebe6-0000836392 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000836392) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000836392.json) ## Summary The Scottish Government has initiated a procurement process under the title "DCAF - Secure Transport and Escort of Children to Scottish Ministers," aimed at appointing an external service provider to deliver secure transport and escort services for children within Scotland. This tender, under the "General public services" category, is particularly focused on providing a child-centred approach in line with recent legislative changes in Scotland's justice system. The process is currently in the tender stage, with electronic submissions being accepted until 5th August 2026 and the contract anticipated to start in January 2027 for a three-year duration. The procurement method is an open procedure, reflecting inclusivity and competitive participation, with an estimated contract value of £1,000,000. This tender presents a significant business opportunity for enterprises specialising in secure transport services, particularly those with experience in handling sensitive cases involving minors. Businesses proficient in providing trauma-informed and rights-based services will find this tender well-suited for their capabilities. To be successful, potential bidders must demonstrate relevant operational experience, maintain robust financial health, and possess requisite certifications such as Prison Custody Officer (PCO) certification for staff. Additionally, a strong emphasis is placed on sustainable supply chain practices, making it relevant for businesses committed to resilience and compliance with environmental management standards. ## Notice Scottish Ministers seek to appoint an external service provider for the provision of Secure Transport and Escort of Children. ### 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. Renewal: The contract may be extended by a period of up to 24 months ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Public Contracts Scotland | | Latest notice | https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL559506 | | Notice type | OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice | | Procurement type | Standard | | Procurement category | Services | | Procurement method | Open | | Procurement method details | Open procedure | | Tender suitability | Not specified | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Tender | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 6 Jul 2026 | | Submission deadline | 5 Aug 2026 | | Future notice date | Not specified | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | Not specified | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £1,000,000 | | Lots value | £1,000,000 | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Active | | Lots status | Active | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT | | Locality | EDINBURGH | | Post town | Edinburgh | | Postcode | EH6 6QQ | | Country | Scotland | | ITL 1 | TLM Scotland | | ITL 2 | TLM1 East Central Scotland | | ITL 3 | TLM13 City of Edinburgh | | Local authority | City of Edinburgh | | Electoral ward | Leith | | Westminster constituency | Edinburgh North and Leith | | Delivery location | TLM Scotland | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport) - 75 - Administration, defence and social security services ### Codes - 60130000 - Special-purpose road passenger-transport services - 75231220 - Prisoner-escort services ## Release History - 6 Jul 2026 at 00:00 - Tender - OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL559506 ## Documents - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL559506 DCAF - Secure Transport and Escort of Children to Scottish Ministers - Scottish Ministers seek to appoint an external service provider for the provision of Secure Transport and Escort of Children. ## Notice URLs - http:// - http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343 - http://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk - http://www.scotland.gov.uk - https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000836392 - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/ ## Provenance This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000836392. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000836392.json.