Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Scotland Excel
Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1AR
Education.Corporate@scotland-excel.org.uk
Telephone
+44 3003001200
Fax
+44 1416187423
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKM - Scotland
Internet address(es)
Main address
http://www.scotland-excel.org.uk
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA10383
one.2) Information about joint procurement
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via
https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
General public services
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Supply Only and Supply and Distribution of Frozen Foods
Reference number
0825
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 15000000 - Food, beverages, tobacco and related products
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
This Contract Notice is in relation to the renewal framework for The Supply Only and Supply and Distribution of Frozen Foods.
It is anticipated that the scope of materials covered under the framework will include, but not be limited to frozen bakery products, meat products & meat substitute products, poultry, seafood, savoury products, fruit & vegetables, potato products, pizza, ice cream & desserts.
Full details are contained in the tender documentation available in the relevant PCS-T project for this procurement exercise.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £170,000,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
Tenders may be submitted for all lots
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Supply Only of Frozen Foods
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15220000 - Frozen fish, fish fillets and other fish meat
- 15221000 - Frozen fish
- 15229000 - Frozen fish products
- 15251000 - Frozen crustaceans
- 15311000 - Frozen potatoes
- 15311200 - Diced, sliced and other frozen potatoes
- 15331100 - Fresh or frozen vegetables
- 15331170 - Frozen vegetables
- 15896000 - Deep-frozen products
- 15555000 - Ice cream and similar products
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
Main site or place of performance
Various locations throughout the geographical boundaries of the participating Councils and associate members within Scotland.
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The scope of materials covered under The Supply Only and Supply and Distribution of Frozen Foods framework will include, but not limited to frozen bakery products, meat, meat substitute products, poultry, seafood, savoury products, fruit & vegetables, potato products, pizza, ice cream & desserts.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Technical / Weighting: 25
Price - Weighting: 75
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £51,000,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
48
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
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.2.14) Additional information
Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in Regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. Please see the Invitation to Tender contained on the PCS-Tender project relevant to this procurement and the other Procurement Documents for further information.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Distribution of Frozen Foods
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15220000 - Frozen fish, fish fillets and other fish meat
- 15221000 - Frozen fish
- 15229000 - Frozen fish products
- 15251000 - Frozen crustaceans
- 15311000 - Frozen potatoes
- 15311200 - Diced, sliced and other frozen potatoes
- 15896000 - Deep-frozen products
- 15331170 - Frozen vegetables
- 15555000 - Ice cream and similar products
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
Main site or place of performance
Various locations throughout the geographical boundaries of the participating Councils and associate members within Scotland.
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This Contract Notice is in relation to a renewal framework for Frozen Foods. This lot is for distribution of products awarded on Lot 1 Supply Only.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Technical / Weighting: 25
Price - Weighting: 75
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £8,500,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
48
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
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.2.14) Additional information
Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in Regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. Please see the Invitation to Tender contained on the PCS-Tender project relevant to this procurement and the other Procurement Documents for further information.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Supply & Distribution of Frozen Foods
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 15555000 - Ice cream and similar products
- 15220000 - Frozen fish, fish fillets and other fish meat
- 15229000 - Frozen fish products
- 15251000 - Frozen crustaceans
- 15311000 - Frozen potatoes
- 15311200 - Diced, sliced and other frozen potatoes
- 15331100 - Fresh or frozen vegetables
- 15331170 - Frozen vegetables
- 15896000 - Deep-frozen products
- 15811000 - Bread products
- 15612500 - Bakery products
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
Main site or place of performance
Various locations throughout the geographical boundaries of the participating Councils and associate members within Scotland.
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The scope of materials covered under the framework will include, but not limited to frozen bakery products, meat, meat substitute products, poultry, seafood, savoury products, fruit & vegetables, potato products, pizza, ice cream & desserts.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Technical / Weighting: 25
Price - Weighting: 75
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £110,500,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
48
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
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.2.14) Additional information
Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in Regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. Please see the Invitation to Tender contained on the PCS-Tender project relevant to this procurement and the other Procurement Documents for further information.
Section three. Legal, economic, financial and technical information
three.1) Conditions for participation
three.1.2) Economic and financial standing
List and brief description of selection criteria
List and brief description of selection criteria:
1.SPD (Scotland) Questions 4B.5.1b and 4B.5.2: Insurance Requirements
2.SPD (Scotland) Question 4B.6: Other Economic and Financial Requirements
In accordance with Regulation 59(12), as this proposed Framework Agreement is divided into Lots, these Economic and Financial Standing selection criteria apply separately in relation to each individual lot.
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required
It is a requirement of this contract that tenderers hold, or can commit to obtain prior to the commencement of any subsequently awarded contract, the types and levels of insurance indicated below:
ALL LOTS
EMPLOYERS (COMPULSORY) LIABILITY – a minimum indemnity limit of 5 million GBP for each and every claim.
PUBLIC/PRODUCTS LIABILITY – minimum level of 10 million GBP, each and every claim and in the aggregate for products.
MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE – statutory Third Party motor vehicle insurance to a minimum indemnity limit of GBP 5 million in respect of each claim and without limit to the number of claims for property damage, and unlimited for Third Party injury.
For tenderers who will sub contract parts of the business, it is a requirement that the tenderer requires to provide a letter signed by a person of appropriate authority confirming that the tenderer has ongoing arrangements in place to ensure that subcontractors’ vehicles are appropriately insured and maintained .
OTHER ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
Tenderers will pass the economic and financial standing test where Scotland Excel is assured of the tenderer’s financial viability and sustainability for participation in the contract. As such, an Equifax search of the tenderer must not identify financial risk by means of: an adverse rating; or warning; or caution code.
Where such a risk is identified at any stage of the exercise, the tenderer will fail selection and be excluded from award. At Scotland Excel’s sole discretion, alternative means of proof may be considered in accordance with Regulation 61 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
SCOTLAND EXCEL MUST BE NOTIFIED OF ANY CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH IMPACTS ON THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL STANDING TEST. AWARD RECOMMENDATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CONTINUED COMPLIANCE WITH THE TENDER REQUIREMENTS.
Tenderers relying on the financial standing of a parent company who are unable to commit to obtaining a parent company guarantee may be assessed as a FAIL and will be excluded from the competition.
three.1.3) Technical and professional ability
List and brief description of selection criteria
In accordance with Regulation 59(12), as this proposed Framework Agreement is divided into Lots, these Technical and Professional Ability selection criteria apply:
1. SPD (Scotland) Question 4C.1: Supply & Services Contracts
2. SPD (Scotland) Question 4C.10:Subcontracting
3. SPD (Scotland) Question 4D.1: Quality Assurance Scheme
4. SPD (Scotland) Question 4D.1: Health and Safety Procedures
5. SPD (Scotland) Question 4D.2: Environmental Management Standards
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required
Minimum level(s) of standards required:
Further to the identified selection criteria outlined above, full guidance and the minimum levels of standards required are outlined in the "0825 III.1.3 Technical and Professional Ability" document, which can be found in the "Information and Instructions" folder in the Buyer Attachment area, within ITT 61766 of project 30605.
three.2) Conditions related to the contract
three.2.2) Contract performance conditions
For full details of the conditions relevant to the proposed Framework Agreement and contracts to be called off thereunder (to the extent known or settled at this stage), please refer to the tender documents (details of how to access these are outlined in “Section I.3 Communication” of this Contract Notice).
Tenderers require to confirm their acceptance of the terms and conditions. TENDERS MADE SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED AND MAY BE REFUSED ON THE GROUNDS OF SUCH CONDITIONS ALONE.
Further information on this section is contained in the document "0825 Technical and Professional Ability Attachment" which is located in the "Contract Notice" folder of the attachments area of itt_61766
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
four.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement
Framework agreement with several operators
four.1.6) Information about electronic auction
An electronic auction will be used
Additional information about electronic auction
Whether an electronic auction will be used is at the discretion of each Scotland Excel Council, Associate Member or other Bodies Participating which will be settled by them during the procedure for the call-off of a contract under this proposed 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: 2025/S 000-036980
four.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date
16 January 2026
Local time
12:00pm
four.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
English
four.2.6) Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender
Duration in months: 12 (from the date stated for receipt of tender)
four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date
16 January 2026
Local time
12:00pm
Place
Scotland Excel Offices, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley, PA1 1AR
Information about authorised persons and opening procedure
Tenders will be opened electronically, using PCS-Tender, via Scotland Excel's offices at the address shown in section I.1 (Contracting Authority) of this Notice
Information about authorised persons and opening procedure:
Officers permitted to open tenders on behalf of Scotland Excel under it's governance arrangements
Section six. Complementary information
six.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement: No
six.2) Information about electronic workflows
Electronic ordering will be used
Electronic invoicing will be accepted
Electronic payment will be used
six.3) Additional information
This procurement process is subject to the Law and Guidance applicable in Scotland relative to the award of public contracts including (without limitation) as set out in the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 as currently in force.
Scotland Excel is a central purchasing body and is procuring this framework on behalf of the following contracting authorities (and successor bodies):
-The 32 local authorities in Scotland as listed at http://www.scotland-excel.org.uk/home/aboutus/ourmembers.aspx
-Scotland Excel associate members as listed at http://www.scotland-excel.org.uk/home/Aboutus/Ourmembers/Associate-members.aspx
-any Integration Authority, or other body, established pursuant to the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland)Act 2014. -Any Scottish Registered Social Landlords listed on the public register of the Scottish Housing Regulator:http://directory.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk/Documents/Landlord%20Register.pdf as at the date of publication of this notice.
-Tayside Contracts
-Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges & their member organisations across the higher and further education sector in Scotland and their associated and affiliated bodies.
-Scottish Prison Service (SPS)
-Scottish National Health Service Authorities, including any body created pursuant to the National Health Service Scotland Act (1978)
-Transport Scotland
-Scottish Government & Scottish Central Government Bodies.
The above is subject to each contracting authority entering into and maintaining a relevant membership agreement or other access agreement with Scotland Excel.
Tenderers should note:
Retrospective rebates apply to this Framework; details are in the Special Conditions and Information and Instructions to Tenderers, including the Evaluation Methodology.
Use of electronic ordering, invoicing, and payment is at the discretion of each Member Authority or Associate Member and will be agreed at call-off stage.
The maximum number of participants stated in section IV.1.3 of the contract notice is indicative only. Scotland Excel may appoint more or fewer tenderers than this number.
Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in Regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015
The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 30605. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343
A sub-contract clause has been included in this contract. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2363
Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/
A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows:
In accordance with section 25(3) of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 note that Scotland Excel intends to include community benefit requirements. As part of your response within the Technical criteria, Tenderers will be requested to commit to delivery of community benefits in accordance with the methodology outlined in the tender documents
(SC Ref:815359)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Court of Session
Edinburgh
EH1 1RQ
Country
United Kingdom
six.4.3) Review procedure
Precise information on deadline(s) for review procedures
Precise information on deadline(s) for review procedures:
An economic operator that suffers, or risks suffering, loss or damage attributable to a breach of duty under the Public Contracts (Scotland)
Regulations 2015 (SSI 2015/446) (as amended) may bring proceedings in the Sheriff Court or the Court of Session.