Renfrewshire Council has published a procurement opportunity for festive lighting with an estimated value of an undisclosed value. The submission deadline is 8 May 2026, giving eligible UK suppliers a limited window to prepare and submit bids through the official Find a Tender portal.

Published on 2026-04-09, this contract is open to suitably qualified suppliers across the United Kingdom. All businesses interested in bidding should review the full tender documentation and confirm they meet all eligibility requirements before the closing date.

Contract overview

Renfrewshire Council is inviting contractors to submit bids for festive lighting installation (the service). The service will comprise the storage, repair, maintenance, timely erection and de-erection of the Festive Lights. The purpose of this Prior Information Notice is to allow Renfrewshire Council to engage with the marketplace to carry out a soft-market testing exercise. The Council would like to understand the current level of interest in the market for a tender of this nature and gather some information about the marketplace itself. Interested contractors are invited to register their interest via this notice.

Renfrewshire Council is the contracting authority. The estimated value is an undisclosed value and the deadline is 8 May 2026. Download the full specification from the official portal before preparing a bid.

Is your business eligible?

This contract is most relevant to maintenance contractors, repair specialists, facilities managers. Suppliers typically need to demonstrate experience delivering similar contracts, appropriate financial standing, and hold relevant trade certifications, public liability insurance.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, Renfrewshire Council must actively consider SME participation. Check whether this contract has been structured into lots.

• Proven track record in maintenance & repair contracts of comparable scope
• Financial standing appropriate for a an undisclosed value contract
• Relevant certifications: relevant trade certifications, public liability insurance
• Capacity to mobilise within Renfrewshire Council’s required timeframe
• Ability to meet the 8 May 2026 submission deadline

How to submit a bid

• Step 1 — Access the notice: Visit Find a Tender at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032470-2026
• Step 2 — Register free: Create or log in to your supplier account
• Step 3 — Download documents: Read the full ITT before preparing your response
• Step 4 — Raise clarifications: Submit questions early — Q&A typically closes 1–2 weeks before the deadline
• Step 5 — Submit before 8 May 2026: Late submissions are not accepted

What the buyer will evaluate

Renfrewshire Council will assess all compliant bids against published criteria. Buyers typically apply a 60% quality and 40% price weighting. Under the Procurement Act 2023, social value is a mandatory evaluation criterion.

Writing a winning bid

• Lead with an executive summary addressing Renfrewshire Council’s objectives directly
• Provide two or more case studies with measurable outcomes from comparable contracts
• Include specific, costed social value commitments
• Price to win but ensure your margin covers full delivery
• Submit at least 24 hours before 8 May 2026

Frequently asked questions

Can SMEs bid for this contract?

Yes. The Procurement Act 2023 requires Renfrewshire Council to consider SME suitability and remove unnecessary barriers.

Is registration on the portal free?

Yes. Registering as a supplier on Find a Tender is completely free.

What happens if I miss the 8 May 2026 deadline?

Late submissions are not accepted. The deadline is absolute. Submit at least 24 hours early.

Where are the full tender documents?

All documents are on the official Find a Tender listing at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032470-2026.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify all details on the official procurement portal before submitting a bid. Kael Tripton is not affiliated with or endorsed by Renfrewshire Council or the UK government.