- Scope of the procurement
- Lot 1- Armagh Area 1
- Lot 2- Armagh Area 2
- Lot 3- Ballymena Area 1
- Lot 4- Ballymena Area 2
- Lot 5- Ballymena Area 3
- Lot 6- Ballymena Area 4
- Lot 7- Ballymena Area 5
- Lot 8- Ballymena Area 6
- Lot 9- Ballymena Area 7
- Lot 10 - Belfast Area
- Lot 11- Dundonald Area
- Lot 12- Omagh Area 1
- Lot 13- Omagh Area 2
- Lot 14- Omagh Area 3
- Lot 15- Omagh Area 4
- Lot 16- Omagh Area 5
Section one: Contracting authority/entity
one.1) Name and addresses
the Education Authority
40 Academy Street
Belfast
BT1 2NQ
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UK - United Kingdom
Internet address(es)
Main address
https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps
Buyer's address
https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps
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
Milk and Milk Products
Reference number
CAT-21-008
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 03333000 - Fresh cows' milk
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
Supply of Milk and Milk Products to school meals kitchens, schools and other locations within Northern Ireland for the period 1 August 2022 – 30 June 2026
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: £11,476,000
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 1- Armagh Area 1
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15510000 - Milk and cream
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Supply of Milk and Milk Products to school meals kitchens, schools and other locations within Northern Ireland for the period 1 August 2022 – 30 June 2026.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1- Methodology Performance Management / Weighting: 15
Cost criterion - Name: AC2- Evaluation Cost / Weighting: 85
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 2- Armagh Area 2
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15510000 - Milk and cream
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Supply of Milk and Milk Products to school meals kitchens, schools and other locations within Northern Ireland for the period 1 August 2022 – 30 June 2026.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1- Methodology Performance Management / Weighting: 15
Cost criterion - Name: AC2- Evaluation Cost / Weighting: 85
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 3- Ballymena Area 1
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15510000 - Milk and cream
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Supply of Milk and Milk Products to school meals kitchens, schools and other locations within Northern Ireland for the period 1 August 2022 – 30 June 2026.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1- Methodology Performance Management / Weighting: 15
Cost criterion - Name: AC2- Evaluation Cost / Weighting: 85
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 4- Ballymena Area 2
Lot No
4
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15510000 - Milk and cream
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Supply of Milk and Milk Products to school meals kitchens, schools and other locations within Northern Ireland for the period 1 August 2022 – 30 June 2026.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1- Methodology Performance Management / Weighting: 15
Cost criterion - Name: AC2- Evaluation Cost / Weighting: 85
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 5- Ballymena Area 3
Lot No
5
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15510000 - Milk and cream
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Supply of Milk and Milk Products to school meals kitchens, schools and other locations within Northern Ireland for the period 1 August 2022 – 30 June 2026.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1- Methodology Performance Management / Weighting: 15
Cost criterion - Name: AC2- Evaluation Cost / Weighting: 85
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 6- Ballymena Area 4
Lot No
6
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15510000 - Milk and cream
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Supply of Milk and Milk Products to school meals kitchens, schools and other locations within Northern Ireland for the period 1 August 2022 – 30 June 2026.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1- Methodology Performance Management / Weighting: 15
Cost criterion - Name: AC2- Evaluation Cost / Weighting: 85
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 7- Ballymena Area 5
Lot No
7
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15510000 - Milk and cream
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Supply of Milk and Milk Products to school meals kitchens, schools and other locations within Northern Ireland for the period 1 August 2022 – 30 June 2026.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1- Methodology Performance Management / Weighting: 15
Cost criterion - Name: AC2- Evaluation Cost / Weighting: 85
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 8- Ballymena Area 6
Lot No
8
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15510000 - Milk and cream
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Supply of Milk and Milk Products to school meals kitchens, schools and other locations within Northern Ireland for the period 1 August 2022 – 30 June 2026.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1- Methodology Performance Management / Weighting: 15
Cost criterion - Name: AC2- Evaluation Cost / Weighting: 85
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 9- Ballymena Area 7
Lot No
9
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15510000 - Milk and cream
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Supply of Milk and Milk Products to school meals kitchens, schools and other locations within Northern Ireland for the period 1 August 2022 – 30 June 2026.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1- Methodology Performance Management / Weighting: 15
Cost criterion - Name: AC2- Evaluation Cost / Weighting: 85
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 10 - Belfast Area
Lot No
10
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15510000 - Milk and cream
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Supply of Milk and Milk Products to school meals kitchens, schools and other locations within Northern Ireland for the period 1 August 2022 – 30 June 2026.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1- Methodology Performance Management / Weighting: 15
Cost criterion - Name: AC2- Evaluation Cost / Weighting: 85
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 11- Dundonald Area
Lot No
11
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15510000 - Milk and cream
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Supply of Milk and Milk Products to school meals kitchens, schools and other locations within Northern Ireland for the period 1 August 2022 – 30 June 2026.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1- Methodology Performance Management / Weighting: 15
Cost criterion - Name: AC2- Evaluation Cost / Weighting: 85
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 12- Omagh Area 1
Lot No
12
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15510000 - Milk and cream
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Supply of Milk and Milk Products to school meals kitchens, schools and other locations within Northern Ireland for the period 1 August 2022 – 30 June 2026.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1- Methodology Performance Management / Weighting: 15
Cost criterion - Name: AC2- Evaluation Cost / Weighting: 85
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 13- Omagh Area 2
Lot No
13
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15510000 - Milk and cream
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Supply of Milk and Milk Products to school meals kitchens, schools and other locations within Northern Ireland for the period 1 August 2022 – 30 June 2026.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1- Methodology Performance Management / Weighting: 15
Cost criterion - Name: AC1- Methodology Performance Management / Weighting: 85
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 14- Omagh Area 3
Lot No
14
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15510000 - Milk and cream
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Supply of Milk and Milk Products to school meals kitchens, schools and other locations within Northern Ireland for the period 1 August 2022 – 30 June 2026.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1- Methodology Performance Management / Weighting: 15
Cost criterion - Name: AC2- Evaluation Cost / Weighting: 85
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 15- Omagh Area 4
Lot No
15
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15510000 - Milk and cream
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Supply of Milk and Milk Products to school meals kitchens, schools and other locations within Northern Ireland for the period 1 August 2022 – 30 June 2026.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1- Methodology Performance Management / Weighting: 15
Cost criterion - Name: AC2- Evaluation Cost / Weighting: 85
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) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 16- Omagh Area 5
Lot No
16
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15510000 - Milk and cream
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Supply of Milk and Milk Products to school meals kitchens, schools and other locations within Northern Ireland for the period 1 August 2022 – 30 June 2026.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: AC1- Methodology Performance Management / Weighting: 15
Cost criterion - Name: AC2- Evaluation Cost / Weighting: 85
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
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:
This is not an award without prior notice, the purpose of this VEAT notice is to make the market aware that EA intend to modify this contract as detailed below.
The purpose of this VEAT notice is to inform the market that the Education Authority (EA) intends to add the following lots to the existing award held by Dale Farm Ltd, in accordance with the pricing, terms, and conditions set out in the current framework agreement.
Lot 2 – Armagh Area 3
Lot 6 – Ballymena Area 4
Lot 7 – Ballymena Area 5
Lot 8 – Ballymena Area 6
Lot 12 – Omagh Area 1
The original award for the lots listed above was made to Lacpatrick Dairies under the existing framework agreement. However, Lacpatrick Dairies has formally notified the Education Authority of their intention to withdraw from all of the specified lots, effective 1 November 2025.
This decision follows confirmation that Grove Dairy, the third supplier awarded under the framework, is not currently delivering milk in the relevant areas and has advised that it would not be operationally viable for them to take on the additional schools. As such, Dale Farm Ltd is the only supplier capable of fulfilling the requirements within the necessary timeframe.
The additional lots are required to ensure uninterrupted milk provision to schools commencing 1 November 2025.
The modification is being made under the principles of urgency and operational necessity and is consistent with the scope and structure of the original framework.
The modification is necessary to maintain uninterrupted delivery of milk to schools from1 November 2025 onward and is justified under Regulation 72(1)(c) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, which allows for contract changes due to unforeseen circumstances without altering the overall nature of the contract. The awarded contractor’s withdrawal from the framework was an unexpected development that could not have been foreseen.
No aspect of the modification will alter the overall nature of the current contract as the scope of goods will remain unaltered, and any expenditure will not exceed the original awarded contract value.
Regulation 72(1)(b) permits an amendment to an existing contract: for additional works,
services or supplies by the original contractor that have become necessary and were not
included in the initial procurement, where a change of contractor
(i) cannot be made for economic or technical reasons such as requirements of
interchangeability or interoperability with existing equipment, services or installations
procured under the initial procurement, or
(ii) would cause significant inconvenience or substantial duplication of costs for the
contracting authority, provided that any increase in price does not exceed 50% of the value
of the original contract.
The EA shall observe a period of no less than 30 days, beginning with the day after the date of publication, before modifying the contract as set out in this notice.
four.1.3) Information about a framework agreement
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement
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: 2022/S 000-022675
Section five. Award of contract/concession
Contract No
CAT-21-008
Lot No
Lot 2 – Armagh Area 3 Lot 6 – Ballymena Area 4 Lot 7 - Ballymena Area 5 Lot 8 - Ballymena Area 6 Lot
Title
Milk and Milk Products
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract/concession
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
16 August 2022
five.2.2) Information about tenders
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire
DALE FARM LIMITED
Belfast
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKN - Northern Ireland
Internet address
https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps
The contractor/concessionaire is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot/concession (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot/concession: £3,586,250
Section six. Complementary information
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
The UK does not currently have any such bodies with responsibilities for appeal/mediation procedures
Belfast
Country
United Kingdom
six.4.2) Body responsible for mediation procedures
The UK does not currently have any such bodies with responsibilities for appeal/mediation procedures
Belfast
Country
United Kingdom
six.4.4) Service from which information about the review procedure may be obtained
The UK does not currently have any such bodies with responsibilities for appeal/mediation procedures
Belfast
Country
United Kingdom