Secure Transport and Escort of Children

What this is

The Scottish Government is procuring a Secure Transport and Escort of Children service to transport children under 18 between courts, secure centres, hospitals, and other premises across Scotland, in line with the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act 2024. The estimated total contract value is £720,000 (£160,000 per annum), with a 36-month initial term commencing January 2027 and an option to extend by a further 24 months. The RFI response deadline was 29 May 2026 and the formal contract notice was expected around 26 June 2026.

Key points

• Secure transport and escort of children across Scotland — must be trauma-informed and rights-based per Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act 2024
• Estimated value: £720,000 (£160,000/year); 36-month start January 2027 + 24-month optional extension (max 60 months total)
• RFI deadline was 29 May 2026 at noon (Microsoft Form); formal contract notice expected ~26 June 2026; register interest via PCS (SC Ref: 831266)

Who can bid

This is a Prior Information Notice only. Suppliers must be capable of providing secure transport and escort of children across Scotland, including planned, unplanned, and standby escorts; court custody and supervision; and transfer arrangements at age 18. Service must be aligned with Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act 2024 — trauma-informed, rights-based, child-centred approach. Scottish Government reserves the right not to proceed. Formal eligibility criteria will be published with the contract notice.

How it is scored

Not yet specified. Award criteria will be published in the full contract notice expected ~26 June 2026. Procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). A Suppliers' Day may be held depending on level of interest.

Money

Estimated total contract value: £720,000 excl. VAT (£160,000/year). Initial 36-month contract value not to exceed £480,000. If extended by 24 months, total not to exceed £720,000. Payment structure will be detailed in the contract notice.

How to submit

Complete the Microsoft Form RFI (deadline 29 May 2026 at noon): https://forms.office.com/e/UDB05aa1Ez. Also register interest via Public Contracts Scotland (SC Ref: 831266). Contact: campbell.forsyth2@gov.scot, Tel: +44 412425466.

Clarifications

Contact: campbell.forsyth2@gov.scot, Tel: +44 412425466. RFI response deadline was 29 May 2026 at noon. A Suppliers' Day may be convened depending on interest level.

Contract period

36-month initial contract (estimated start January 2027) with option to extend by up to a further 24 months (total up to 60 months). Initial contract value not anticipated to exceed £480,000; total (with extensions) not anticipated to exceed £720,000.

Classification

CPV 60130000 — Special-purpose road passenger-transport services 75231220 — Prisoner-escort services ScotlandAberdeen & North-EastEdinburgh & LothiansGlasgow & Strathclyde