Scope
Reference
704_26
Description
ESPO are conducting preliminary market engagement with the intention of renewing its outsourced catering services framework, with the inclusion of a procurement and contract management support for outsourcing catering services. It is anticipated the new framework will be awarded during summer 2026.
The new Framework is expected to include the following Lots:
Lot 1. Education Outsourced Catering Services
Lot 2. Social Care Outsourced Catering Services
Lot 3. Public Sector Outsourced Catering Services
Lot 4. Procurement and Contract Management Support for Outsourced Catering Services
Prior to retendering, ESPO is seeking to engage with the market to help shape the new framework to ensure it meets the needs of both suppliers and customers.
Please note this is not a call for competition, the tender documentation is not yet available.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £240,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2028
- Possible extension to 31 August 2030
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 55500000 - Canteen and catering services
- 79418000 - Procurement consultancy services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
9 January 2026
Engagement process description
Suppliers are required to register and complete the relevant stages on the Central Digital Platform if they wish to participate or bid for this framework.
Request for Information:
Engagement is being undertaken via two Request for Information (RFI) questionnaires hosted on the EastMidsTenders eProcurement Portal (www.eastmidstenders.org). The deadline for responding to the RFI questionnaires is 17:00 (5pm) on 17 December 2025.
Suppliers wishing to participate in the RFI MUST first express an interest as follows:
(a) Go to https://www.eastmidstenders.org/; (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract); (c) Search for opportunity '704_26' (via "View Opportunities" from the EastMidsTenders Portal); d) Express an interest.
Suppliers can access and respond to the RFI questionnaires in the Messages section of the eProcurement Portal (via the Activity dashboard once an expression of interest has been registered). Any questions or clarifications should similarly be submitted to ESPO as a message on the eProcurement Portal.
ESPO may contact suppliers to seek clarification or understanding of the information provided in their RFI response or to discuss their RFI responses in further detail.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
13 February 2026
Contracting authority
Leicestershire County Council, trading as ESPO
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYDD-1122-TCVN
Barnsdale Way, Grove Park, Enderby
Leicester
LE19 1ES
United Kingdom
Contact name: Food, Communities and Technology Procurement Team
Email: tenders@espo.org
Website: https://www.espo.org/
Region: UKF22 - Leicestershire CC and Rutland
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government