Scope
Reference
2608_CATE
Description
DCG wish to take this opportunity to procure a completely different approach to the provision of catering services across all Derby College Group campuses from 01.08.26. An output specification is being used) to allow for tendering organisations to be creative in how they deliver services. The only mandatory requirements stipulated are that the provision should ensure
• a positive and equal catering experience for all DCG stakeholders across all sites to encompass provision for all dietary and legislative requirements i.e. Natasha's Law
• there are suitable food options for all DCG users throughout the day, including vending and branded offers
• bursary / free college meals are available for learners and barriers to uptake removed
• free breakfasts (currently toast) on GCSE exam dates
• Little Explorers Nursery is provided for within the catering offer including non-term time and closure to the main college - excluding over the Christmas period
• Pre ordered chargeable hospitality offers are available during college opening hours
• A continually evolving service to adapt to innovative new technologies and in demand market trends
Please refer to the tender pack available via https://www.in-tendhost.co.uk/educationportal/aspx/Home
Total value (estimated)
- £9,000,000 excluding VAT
- £10,800,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2029
- Possible extension to 31 July 2032
- 6 years
Description of possible extension:
A three-year fixed term contract is proposed starting 01.08.26 with a further three options to extend on a 2+2+1 (or as agreed between the parties) subject to satisfactory performance and the agreement of terms up to a maximum term of eight years ending 31.07.32.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 39222000 - Catering supplies
- 55500000 - Canteen and catering services
- 55520000 - Catering services
- 55523000 - Catering services for other enterprises or other institutions
- 55524000 - School catering services
- 55510000 - Canteen services
- 55512000 - Canteen management services
- 55511000 - Canteen and other restricted-clientele cafeteria services
- 42933000 - Vending machines
Contract locations
- UKF11 - Derby
Submission
Enquiry deadline
21 November 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
5 December 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
https://www.in-tendhost.co.uk/educationportal/aspx/Home
Instructions for submission are provided within the Guidance of the tender pack available via the site above.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
6 April 2026
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 2 October 2033
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Simple description | 100% Qualitative assessment in line with publish methodology available for download at https://www.in-tendhost.co.uk/educationportal/aspx/Home |
Price |
Weighting description
100% Qualitative assessment in line with publish methodology available for download at https://www.in-tendhost.co.uk/educationportal/aspx/Home
Other information
Payment terms
30 days from date of undisputed invoice
Description of risks to contract performance
Failure to adhere to mandatory requirements of tender would result in further action and or breach. Risks to contract performance include changes to DCG sites (inclusion of additional or removal of sites), staff or learner numbers, educational delivery models. Additionally changes to legislative provisions (including employment rights), the catering offer (prices and food offer) required by the provider and or market developments in the local community may impact on overall provision requiring modification.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://www.in-tendhost.co.uk/educationportal/aspx/Home
Full and unrestricted access to all tender documents can be obtained from https://www.in-tendhost.co.uk/educationportal/aspx/Home. Should you have any difficulty accessing documents please email anna@agmprocurement.com otherwise all queries through the correspondence function of In-tend please.
Contracting authority
Derby College Group
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHCR-9151-PMNL
Roundhouse Road
Derby
DE24 8UG
United Kingdom
Region: UKF11 - Derby
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government