Scope
Reference
E010PA
Description
The Department for Education has provided Essex County Council with funding in order to deliver the holiday activity and food programme (HAF) across Essex during the Easter, Summer and Winter school holidays. Active Essex will be managing the programme on behalf of Essex County Council. Active Essex and Essex County Council will also be managing the HAF programme on behalf of Thurrock Council. Across Essex and Thurrock the programme is called Essex ActvAte.
Essex ActivAte will engage and support young people and families who are eligible for benefits based free school meals and families most in need. The programme will provide free and inclusive holiday clubs across the county that will include a range of fun physical and enrichment activities, a free nutritious meal, nutritional education and mentoring and support for the young person and whole family. The programme aims to improve health generally, including, crucially, mental health and aim to provide the families with the knowledge and support to live healthier, happier lives.
Bidders will be awarded funding from the overall grant fund to deliver their projects.
Total value (estimated)
- £15,000,000 excluding VAT
- £15,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2029
- 3 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 55240000 - Holiday centre and holiday home services
Contract locations
- UKH3 - Essex
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Tender submission deadline
6 January 2026, 5:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
https://procontract.due-north.com/Opportunities/Index?tabName=opportunities&resetFilter=True
Project information - DN799110
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
23 January 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Questions | This is an application process for grant funding and therefore price is not a determination. Funding will be awarded to applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the application pack. The... |
Quality | 100% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Essex County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWVM-4844-NRQH
County Hall, Market Road
Chelmsford
CM1 1QH
United Kingdom
Region: UKH36 - Heart of Essex
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government