II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKF2

Main site or place of performance:

Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

Pathfinder Schools are a growing family of schools, built on a commitment to the development of the children and young people in the communities we serve. Based in the heart of Northamptonshire, our Academy Trust exists to deliver the very best educational outcomes for every learner. Built upon a foundation of independence, we empower young people to broaden their horizons and open their minds to new opportunities. Inspired and supported by these values, we seek to develop the characteristics of effective learners in our children so that, whatever their future holds, they can approach this with character, confidence and resilience.

The successful Supplier will be required to provide catering services for Pathfinder Schools (Formerly Montsaye Community Learning Partnership) at the following locations;

•Montsaye Academy

•Rothwell Junior School

•Rothwell Victoria Infant School

•Loatlands Primary School

•Havelock Junior School

•Havelock Infant School

•Wilbarston C of E Primary School

•Rushton Primary School

•Hawthorn Community Primary School

•Naseby C of E Primary Academy

Please note – Montsaye Academy is currently going through the process of being re-brokered and depending on the outcome of this, may be withdrawn from the tender process at any time.

The contract covers the scope for the provision of all catering services at each of the above schools, which also includes all hospitality and free issue requirements.

The successful Supplier will be expected to source all fresh produce on a local basis, especially fresh meat, bakery and fruit and vegetables. Contractors will need to demonstrate their approach to sustainability and how the supply carbon footprint can be minimised.

The overall emphasis for this service is on achieving ‘best value’ and the successful Supplier will be expected to demonstrate innovation, flexibility and commercialism.

The contract being offered commences on 1 September 2024 for an initial three-year period and will operate on a fixed cost basis.

Please note that the successful Supplier will pay The Litmus Partnership a consultancy fee on award of this contract, which will be to the value of £8,000.00 plus VAT. This fee will be invoiced immediately after the 10-day standstill period ends w/e 26 July 2024. To ensure transparency, you will clearly show within your management fee a breakdown of this consultancy fee, over the length of the contract. The total full fee will be paid by the successful Supplier, in full to The Litmus Partnership, by no later than Friday 16 August 2024

If the number of schools within The Trust grows during the course of this contract. The provision of catering services to these schools when they have joined will fall under the scope of this contract if required.

The successful Supplier will be expected to provide the catering services within these additional schools using the same costing model, ratios, etc that were applied to the successful bid at the point of tender submission. The duration of contract for these schools will not be increased and they will join the contract for the remaining contract period that exists at the point of entry into the Trust.

The approximate current value of this contract is c. £900,000 p.a.

Please see SQ Document for more information.

II.2.5) Award criteria

Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents

II.2.6) Estimated value

Value excluding VAT: 4 500 000.00  GBP

II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Start: 01/09/2024

End: 31/08/2029

This contract is subject to renewal: No

II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited

Envisaged minimum number: 5

Objective criteria for choosing the limited number of candidates:

A minimum of 5 suppliers and a maximum of 10 suppliers will be taken forward to the tender stage of the process. Where less than 5 suppliers meet the minimum standards, only those that meet the minimum standards will be taken through to the tender stage. Where more than 5 suppliers meet the minimum standard, those suppliers with the highest scores will proceed to the tender stage.

II.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: Yes

II.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

II.2.13) Information about European Union funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

II.2.14) Additional information

To respond to this opportunity please click here: https://litmustms.co.uk/respond/76B73JGUWM

Pathfinder Schools

Greening Road, Rothwell

Northants

NN14 6BB

UK