Estimated Value
Not specified
Deadline
17 July 2026
Published
8 June 2026
Type
services
Overview
The objective of this Service is to ensure the safe, secure and timely transportation of ballot boxes and election materials from designated island locations to Lochgilphead to enable the ballot counting process to commence as scheduled.
AI Analysis
Powered by AI — always verify against official documents
This contract is for a helicopter or fast boat service to transport ballot boxes and election materials from Scottish islands to Lochgilphead on election night. The buyer needs reliable transportation to ensure voting materials arrive safely and on time so vote counting can start as planned.
Requirements
- Ability to operate on election night (specific date to be confirmed in full tender documents)
- Service must reach designated island locations
- Must transport to Lochgilphead as final destination
- Safe and secure handling of ballot boxes and election materials
- Timely delivery to meet scheduled ballot counting start time
- Likely requirement for security clearance or vetting (standard for election-related work)
- Insurance and liability coverage for transporting official government materials
- Experience or capability with helicopter and/or marine transport in Scottish waters
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Collect ballot boxes from designated island collection points
- Collect election materials (papers, polling station equipment) from islands
- Transport all materials securely to Lochgilphead counting centre
- Complete delivery by a specified time on election night to allow counting to start on schedule
- Ensure materials remain secure and uncontaminated during transport
How to Read This Tender
- 1Check the full tender document for the specific election date and exact island locations involved — these will determine your route planning and resource needs.
- 2Look for a 'specification' or 'service level agreement' section that defines what 'timely' and 'secure' actually mean — this might include a specific delivery deadline (e.g. 'by 11pm') and security procedures (e.g. staff vetting, tamper-proof sealing).
- 3Identify the budget range or estimated contract value early — this tells you whether this is a one-off £5,000 job or a £50,000+ operation, and affects whether you'll need to buy equipment or subcontract.
- 4Watch for clauses on 'weather contingency' or 'alternative arrangements' — election night services often have tight deadlines with little flexibility, so read what happens if helicopters are grounded.
- 5Note the evaluation criteria: some election contracts are awarded purely on price, others weight experience and security measures heavily — understanding this shapes your bid.
Tips for Small Businesses
- If you don't operate helicopters or boats yourself, consider a consortium bid or subcontracting partnership with an established transport operator — many councils welcome this if the lead organisation handles vetting and accountability.
- Emphasise any relevant experience: emergency transport, secure material handling, island logistics, or previous election work. Even one-off similar projects strengthen your bid.
- Build in contingency costs for standby capacity or backup vehicles — election night is unforgiving, and the council will likely penalise late delivery heavily. A slightly higher bid with guaranteed backup transport may score better than a cheap bid with no buffer.
Before you bid, buyers check
two years of filed accountsyour financial standingturnover vs contract valueyour Companies House recordcash flow for 30-day termscredit scores and ratios
Actions
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How to Apply
Step-by-step submission guide
Submission Portal
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Complete the Selection Questionnaire
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Submit electronically
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Key Dates
Published
8 June 2026
Submission deadline
17 July 2026
Notice type
tender
Source
find a tender
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