Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Connect Academy Trust
C/O Leigham Primary School, Cockington Close
Plymouth
PL6 8RF
tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
Telephone
+44 1276673880
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKK41 - Plymouth
Internet address(es)
Main address
https://www.connectacademytrust.co.uk/
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Education
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Connect Academy Trust ~ Catering Tender
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 55524000 - School catering services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
The successful Supplier will be required to provide catering services for Connect Academy Trust.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: £5,171,065.15
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKK41 - Plymouth
Main site or place of performance
Plymouth
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The successful Supplier will be required to provide catering services for Connect Academy Trust.
Connect Academy Trust is an established and growing multi-academy trust, located in Devon, comprising of the following eight Primary Schools:
1.Cockington Primary School
2.Eden Park Primary School
3.Eggbuckland Vale Primary School
4.Leigham Primary School
5.Manadon Vale Primary School
6.Preston Primary School
7.Thornbury Primary School
8.Widey Court Primary School
More information regarding the Trust can be found on their website: https://www.connectacademytrust.co.uk/
The contract covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the Trust, which also includes all hospitality and free issue requirements.
The duration of the contract being offered is for an initial three-year period commencing on 01 April 2024, with the potential to extend for a further two 12-month periods. This extension will be granted by mutual consent and on the same terms and conditions as the original contract without the right to further extend beyond the full five years.
The contract being offered within this tender will be on a guaranteed performance basis, with an expected profit share of any betterment to the agreed budget.
The Trust are seeking a suitably experienced, education catering contractor who is able to evidence working within Primary Schools and Multi Academy Trusts. An existing presence within the Southwest would be beneficial although not essential for organisations looking to expand into the region. The successful contractor will already have or need to develop a strong operational base within the vicinity, thus allowing for both adequate contract support and operational flexibility that is to be delivered to support the contract as and when needed moving forwards into this contractual term.
Sustainability and conservation are at the heart of the Trust’s message to its students. Connect Academy Trust were awarded the UK’s first EU Blue School status for their innovative ocean conservation curriculum. As such, the successful Supplier should be proactively working towards a sustainable service and making significant steps in producing their own plan towards carbon neutrality.
The services across the Schools are currently outsourced, and TUPE is expected to apply. It is anticipated that a number of the current employees are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and, in this instance, the successful contractor will be expected to gain Admitted Body Status (ABS) in order to continue contributing to the scheme.
The Trust wishes to achieve as a result of this tender process:
1.The provision of a healthy, balanced menu that meets nutritional guidelines and is enjoyed by all users of the service. This menu should be inclusive of those with special dietary requirements.
2.An innovative and flexible menu that is in keeping with current food trends. Offering frequent themed menus and initiatives that support the curriculum and various school led activities, ensuring the food offer remains varied and enticing to its customers.
3.Improved parental engagement to drive the uptake of meals across the Trust.
4.Messages of sustainability that support the Trust’s ethos.
5.Financial certainty and an understanding of the ongoing trading performance through the proactive provision of monthly trading data to support invoice charges, promoting an open book policy.
It is expected that experienced and insightful contract management will promote good levels of communication and engagement with the Trust and individual Schools. A suitable marketing campaign to the students, staff and parents alike is imperative to promote the uptake of meals.
This enhanced service should be supported by a well-trained catering team at the school, with a focus by the successful contractor on both craft training and customer service.
See SQ document for more information
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2.14) Additional information
Please be aware that this opportunity is now closed and this is the Contract Award Notice.
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Restricted procedure
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number: 2023/S 000-020655
Section five. Award of contract
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
12 February 2024
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 7
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
abm catering Ltd
Eagle Court, 63-67 Saltisford
Warwick
CV34 4AF
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
National registration number
04168334
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot: £5,900,000
Total value of the contract/lot: £5,171,065.15
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement. It will be the supplier's responsibility to obtain any necessary documents in order to submit a response by the closing date and time. The contracting authority reserves the right not to award any or part of the contract which is the subject of this contract notice and reserves the right to terminate the procurement process at any time. The contracting authority will not be liable for any costs incurred by those expressing an interest in tendering for this contract opportunity.
To view this notice, please click here:
https://litmustms.co.uk/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=893244593
GO Reference: GO-2024103-PRO-27905782
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
C/O Leigham Primary School
Cockington Close
Plymouth
PL6 8RF
Country
United Kingdom