Scope
Reference
EMMAT01.16
Description
This tender opportunity has been issued by Embrace Multi Academy Trust ("the Trust"). The proposed contract will be for the provision of Outsourced Catering Service ("the Service") to the Trust. The Trust is seeking a Contractor to provide a high-quality service, whilst delivering value for money for the school, parents and pupils using the Services. The Contract will include all food and staff provision to support the delivery of the service requirement. The Contract will start on Saturday 1st August 2026.
Total value (estimated)
- £3,000,000 excluding VAT
- £3,600,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2029
- Possible extension to 31 July 2031
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
Two further one year extensions (3+1+1)
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
To include additional schools
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 55524000 - School catering services
- 55520000 - Catering services
Contract locations
- UKF2 - Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
A financial appraisal will be based upon a credit check. Insurances Employer Liability £10m Public Liability - £10m Product Liability - £2m
Technical ability conditions of participation
Provide 3 relevant previous contract examples To constitute a pass, the contract examples provided shall be relevant to the requirement, with a sufficient level of detail that provides confidence in the Tenderer's established past experience in similar and relevant projects/contracts. The contracts must be within the education sector and similar complexity and working on more than one site within the contract.
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
26 February 2026, 12:00am
Tender submission deadline
26 February 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
27 April 2026
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 13 January 2031
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed Position Assessment | Guaranteed Position Assessment |
Cost | 30.0% |
| Proposed Service Model | Quality |
Quality | 12.5% |
| Menu Planning & Development | Quality |
Quality | 10.0% |
| Guaranteed Position Approach | Guaranteed Position Approach |
Cost | 10.0% |
| Food Offering | Quality |
Quality | 7.5% |
| Allergy Management | Quality |
Quality | 7.5% |
| Service Model Case Study | Quality |
Quality | 5.0% |
| Contractor Staff | Quality |
Quality | 5.0% |
| Contract Management | Quality |
Quality | 5.0% |
| Account Management | Quality |
Quality | 2.5% |
| Contract Mobilisation & Risk Management | Quality |
Quality | 2.5% |
| Sustainability | Quality |
Quality | 2.5% |
Other information
Payment terms
One invoice per month Invoicing for UIFSM & FSM based on actual meals taken, broken down by school
Description of risks to contract performance
Financial Inflation and Rising Costs: Food price inflation, energy bills, and wage increases. Caterers locked into long-term contracts may struggle to remain profitable, risking service quality or contract withdrawal. Staffing Challenges Recruitment Difficulties: Shortages of skilled catering staff, especially in rural or low-income areas. Difficulty attracting and retaining staff due to limited pay and benefits. Training Gaps: Inadequate training in food safety, allergens, and safeguarding can lead to compliance issues. Reputational and Compliance Risks Non-compliance with School Food Standards can result in reputational damage and regulatory scrutiny. Non-compliance with the tender specification or compliance requirement
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Justification for not publishing a preliminary market engagement notice
The justification is that the requirements are not complex, or niche and the Contracting Authority already has an understanding of what they want the service to deliver and the market is known.
Contracting authorities
PHP Law LLP
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPRM-9434-VNYQ
Unit 3 The Brutus Centre Station Road Totnes
Totnes
TQ9 5RW
United Kingdom
Region: UKK43 - Devon CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Embrace Multi Academy Trust
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGXM-7933-YNQY
Brookes Avenue
Leicester
LE9 3GJ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Claire Jones
Email: claire.jones@phplaw.co.uk
Region: UKF22 - Leicestershire CC and Rutland
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government