DCAF - Secure Transport and Escort of Children to Scottish Ministers

Scottish Government

Published: Jul 6, 2026

Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Source: Public Contracts Scotland

About This Opportunity

This is a services contract in the transport and logistics and social protection sectors. Located in United Kingdom, Europe, this opportunity is open to firms and consortiums, with an estimated budget of GBP 1.0 million. Proposals must be submitted before August 5, 2026.

Published through Public Contracts Scotland, a national government procurement portal. Public procurement tenders follow the country's national bidding regulations and may have specific eligibility and documentation requirements for services in the transport and logistics sector. Service contracts are typically evaluated on both technical quality and price, and may require bidders to demonstrate relevant experience and qualified personnel. Interested parties should review the full documentation on the original source before submitting their proposal.

Description

Scottish Ministers seek to appoint an external service provider for the provision of Secure Transport and Escort of Children. 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.

Data provenance

This notice is sourced from Public Contracts Scotland and was originally published on July 6, 2026. Last refreshed today. BidsFactory mirrors official procurement notices and links back to the source for full legal text.

About Scottish Government

Scottish Government has issued 591 procurement notices on BidsFactory, including 76 currently open and 276 awarded contracts. Activity concentrates in Information & Communication Technology, General Supplies & Services, and Architecture & Engineering Services. All notices are published for United Kingdom. Notices are distributed via Public Contracts Scotland and UK FTS - Find a Tender Service. Most recent publication: July 8, 2026.

Frequently asked questions about this tender

What type of contract is this?

This is a Services contract in the Transport & Logistics sector. The classification helps bidders match the opportunity to their qualifications and registered scope of supply.

What is the estimated budget?

The estimated contract value is Up to £1,000,000. Bidders should ensure their proposals are consistent with this range and account for any local taxes and contract execution costs.

Where will the contract be performed?

The contract is for delivery in United Kingdom. Foreign bidders should review local registration, taxation, and any in-country presence requirements before submitting.

How can I submit a bid?

Visit Public Contracts Scotland to access the full notice, required documents, and submission instructions provided by the contracting authority.

When does this tender close?

The submission deadline is August 5, 2026. You have 28 days left to prepare and submit your proposal to the contracting authority.

Who is the contracting authority?

This notice was issued by Scottish Government in United Kingdom. The authority is responsible for evaluating bids, awarding the contract, and managing performance.