Strategic Digital Partner for Website and Mobile Applications​​

Location

Gourock

Description

CalMac Ferries operates a business-critical digital platform comprising three public-facing websites (CalMac Consumer, CalMac Corporate, and David MacBrayne Group) and native mobile applications for iOS and Android. This platform is central to delivering ferry services, customer communications, and operational support. The current solution is built on Umbraco CMS, hosted in Microsoft Azure, and integrates with multiple internal and third-party systems, including booking, messaging, and analytics. It supports real-time service updates, timetables, and customer notifications, and is aligned with CalMac’s Digital North Star roadmap, which aims to create a seamless, data-driven customer experience. CalMac now seeks a strategic digital partner to provide: -Ongoing support and maintenance of the existing platform. -Hosting and infrastructure management within Azure. -Continuous improvement and iterative enhancements under CalMac’s governance. -Compliance with security, accessibility, and regulatory standards. -Capability to deliver future integrations and innovation through structured change control. The partner will act as a delivery partner, not a strategic owner, ensuring stability, scalability, and resilience while supporting CalMac’s long-term digital vision.

Renewal Options

The initial term will run for a period of 3 years, after which there will be the option to extend by up to an additional 24 months.

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

Indicators

• Bids should cover the whole contract.
• Renewals are available.
• Financial restrictions apply.
• Performance considerations apply.
• Award on basis of price.

Other Information

The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this PQQ exercise. The Project code is 6778. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343 A sub-contract clause has been included in this contract. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2363 Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-pr... A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows: CalMac is committed to delivering wider social value through this procurement. While the primary focus is on securing a strategic digital partner, we encourage suppliers to propose community benefits such as: -Offering work experience placements for students or individuals seeking digital skills. -Creating apprenticeship or graduate opportunities within the contract delivery team. -Partnering with local colleges, universities, or charities to support STEM education, digital inclusion, or community projects. -Providing training and knowledge transfer to enhance local capability and employment prospects. Suppliers should outline any initiatives that contribute to skills development, local employment, and community engagement in their response. These will be considered as part of the overall value-for-money and social impact assessment. (SC Ref:822233)