Scope
Description
Bedford Borough Council will be retendering its Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme for delivery from Summer 2026 onwards.
The HAF programme is funded by the Department for Education and aims to provide high-quality holiday activities and nutritious food for children and young people who are eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals (FSM), as well as other children identified as vulnerable.
The Council is seeking to establish a bespoke multi-lot framework of providers to deliver HAF-funded provision across the borough during the Easter, summer and December school holidays.
There may also be opportunities to deliver provision during selected half-term holidays, subject to review.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2028
- Possible extension to 30 June 2029
- 3 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 55241000 - Holiday centre services
Engagement
Engagement deadline
18 March 2026
Engagement process description
Please see document summarising the HAF 2026 programme and a few questions the authority would like the market to complete to support in their future planning before going out to tender.
Document can be downloaded (free or charge) from Bedford Borough Council e-portal https://in-tendhost.co.uk/bedford/aspx/Home
project reference is BBC CH 04141
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
13 April 2026
Contracting authority
Bedford Borough Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLCV-4616-VTHL
Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street
Bedford
MK42 9AP
United Kingdom
Region: UKH24 - Bedford
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government