Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service
Lisburn
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKN - Northern Ireland
Justification for not providing organisation identifier
Not on any register
Internet address(es)
Main address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Public order and safety
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Interim Provision of Catering Services in LDC Cookstown
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 55520000 - Catering services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
NIFRS has an imminent need to provide appropriate catering services for their trainees and third party users.
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: £350,000
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
NIFRS has an imminent need to provide appropriate catering services for their trainees and third party users from a supplier who could cater for all NIFRS need; supply, deliver, serve, clean up.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Award of a contract without prior publication of a call for competition in the cases listed below
- The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the regulations
Explanation:
During the 2024 tender process, NIFRS undertook extensive market research within the local and wider area to understand all catering options available. One of these options was an 'on demand' catering service provision. Initial pre-market engagement evidenced that procuring one 'on demand' caterer wasn't a viable option, the primary common themes identified were;
Location not suitable
Fluctuating / low numbers on some days not attractive
Demand of 7 days a week provision unsustainable; weekends would like to attend larger events.
A number of suppliers could meet part of the need but not the full need e.g. prepare food, deliver food but not serve.
The preferred option was to proceed with a full commercial kitchen catering service. This tender was collapsed on the basis of affordability. The one supplier who had tendered was asked if they would be interested in this reduced catering requirements (I.e. preparation and servicing of hot meals for trainees only with some light catering for third party usage), however they have confirmed that they do not have an interest at this time. Therefore due to an urgent need for this within LDC, an interim DAC will be awarded to Finchs, with the intention of a future competitive tender for a long term solution.
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
Section five. Award of contract
Title
Interim Provision of Catering Services in LDC Cookstown
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
2 December 2024
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 1
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Finches Catering
Cookstown
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKN - Northern Ireland
Companies House
NI674333
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot: £350,000
Total value of the contract/lot: £350,000
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
The Client cannot guarantee any particular level of business within the Contract. Any information on value of business are for guidance only and no guarantee is given as to the exact value under this Contract. Any levels, or aggregate values of goods, referred to are indicative only and shall not be binding on the Client
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
The UK does not have any such bodies with responsibility for appeal/mediation procedures. Instead; any challenges are dealt with by the High Court, Commercial Division, to which proceedings may be issued regarding alleged breaches of the PCR 2015 as amended.
Belfast
Country
United Kingdom