Planning

Market Engagement – Future Catering Services Contract (2026), City of Glasgow College

  • City of Glasgow College

F01: Prior information notice (prior information only)

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-037881

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-055a4a

Published 7 July 2025, 2:52pm



Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

City of Glasgow College

190 Cathedral Street

Glasgow

G4 0RF

Contact

Deborah Fagan

Email

deborah.fagan@cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code

UKM82 - Glasgow City

Internet address(es)

Main address

http://www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk/

Buyer's address

https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00453

one.2) Information about joint procurement

The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body

one.3) Communication

Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address

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

Market Engagement – Future Catering Services Contract (2026), City of Glasgow College

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 55520000 - Catering services

two.1.3) Type of contract

Services

two.1.4) Short description

City of Glasgow College is preparing for the re-procurement of its catering services contract, due to commence in August 2026. The College operates a multi-site catering environment including refectories, coffee shops, hospitality catering, vending, and retail services across its City and Riverside campuses.

We are undertaking this early market engagement exercise to gather supplier insights into:

- Pricing strategies and financial models appropriate for the further education sector

- Sustainable, affordable, and inclusive catering solutions

- Market trends and innovations

- Value-added community benefits

This process is intended to help us shape the procurement strategy, contract structure, and service model to reflect both market capability and the needs of our students, staff, and visitors.

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

two.2) Description

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 55500000 - Canteen and catering services
  • 55510000 - Canteen services
  • 55520000 - Catering services
  • 55523000 - Catering services for other enterprises or other institutions
  • 55330000 - Cafeteria services
  • 55300000 - Restaurant and food-serving services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKM8 - West Central Scotland
Main site or place of performance

Cathedral Street, Glasgow

Thistle Street, Glasgow

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

Description:

City of Glasgow College is preparing for the re-procurement of its catering services contract, due to commence in August 2026. The College operates a multi-site catering environment including refectories, coffee shops, hospitality catering, vending, and retail services across its City and Riverside campuses.

We are undertaking this early market engagement exercise to gather supplier insights into:

- Pricing strategies and financial models appropriate for the further education sector

- Sustainable, affordable, and inclusive catering solutions

- Market trends and innovations

- Value-added community benefits

This process is intended to help us shape the procurement strategy, contract structure, and service model to reflect both market capability and the needs of our students, staff, and visitors.

Scope of the Future Tender (indicative):

- Multi-outlet food and beverage provision across two Campuses (Cathedral Street & Thistle Street, Glasgow)

- Hospitality and events catering

- Vending services

- Sustainable supply chains and waste management

- Social and community benefit initiatives

Key Topics for Feedback:

- Pricing Models (e.g., fixed price, nil subsidy, cost-plus, turnover commission, hybrid)

- Approaches to managing cost volatility (inflation, food costs)

- Financial transparency (e.g., open book accounting)

- Social value contributions and sustainability initiatives

- Innovations in technology, payment systems, and customer experience

Supplier Response:

Interested catering providers are invited to access and complete the linked Market Engagement Questionnaire, providing their insight and feedback. https://forms.office.com/e/WsF9rjP0Rj

Responses should be submitted via Public Contracts Scotland by Friday, 25th July 2025.

There will be no evaluation of suppliers or scoring at this stage. This process is solely to inform our procurement approach. Participation is entirely optional and does not form part of any subsequent tender evaluation.

two.2.14) Additional information

Anticipated contract start date: August 2026

two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice

3 November 2025


Section four. Procedure

four.1) Description

four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes


Section six. Complementary information

six.3) Additional information

Supplier Response:

Interested catering providers are invited to access and complete the linked Market Engagement Questionnaire, providing their insight and feedback. https://forms.office.com/e/WsF9rjP0Rj

Responses should be submitted via Public Contracts Scotland by Friday, 25th July 2025.

There will be no evaluation of suppliers or scoring at this stage. This process is solely to inform our procurement approach. Participation is entirely optional and does not form part of any subsequent tender evaluation.

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=803621.

(SC Ref:803621)