Dorset Cluster ~ Catering Tender

The tender project is seeking to appoint a Contractor whose initiative and innovation will be welcomed for the provision of service within the existing facilities of the schools, with a focus on exciting new food concepts to satisfy a wide range of pupil tastes and dietary requirements. The Schools would wish the successful contractor to review the current range of services offered and make recommendations accordingly. The contract being tendered is for three years in duration from 1st August 2023 to 31st July 2026 with the option to extend for up to a further 2 years at the discretion of the clients. This contract will operate as a Guaranteed Performance Contract, with the successful Contractor offering the School a guaranteed return / cost per annum for the provision of catering services. Sovereignty of the cash tariff is to remain with the Schools for the duration of this contract. The School year is based on a calendar of 195 days. Five days are to be used for staff professional development which means that School will be open to receive students for the legal minimum of 190 days . The contract offered covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the Schools, which currently includes a range of morning break, lunch, all hospitality and free issue requirements. Free School meals are to be charged with a margin attached and hospitality will be charged based on consumption and at net food cost. Whilst the Schools prioritise value for money as a key objective of the Competitive Tender Process, it is not obliged to accept the lowest price. The Schools expect the successful contractor to enable the continued development of catering through the provision of an innovative, healthy food service, with fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients being prepared on-site. The Schools expect the successful tenderer to evidence, through their bid, how they shall support and complement its values and support the principles of Every Child Matters . The Schools believe that success should be celebrated and that pupils should enjoy their time at school; if lessons are stimulating and challenging then students will love learning. As schools who are continually seeking ways to improve and develop the ethos and environment for students and staff, to give them the facilities they deserve and need to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, any consideration regarding funding improvements as part of the Contractor’s tender submission would be welcomed. Contract value: The value of the new contract is circa £1,140, 000 per annum, so £5,700,000 over the maximum 5-year term of this contract Other notes:

• Please be advised that this contract will be let on a 3 + 2 years basis.
• Please be advised that the Schools have a minimum requirement for a contractor’s employers liability/ public liability and professional indemnity insurance of £10m
• The minimum annual turnover that your company must have achieved to be considered for this opportunity is £1m
• Please note that whilst the objective is to appoint one contractor for all schools, each school reserves the right to take their own appointment decision and each school reserves the right not to appoint as a result of this process.
• HISP is a growing Trust. Should any existing or new schools join the Trust and express an interest in joining this catering contract, they may do so at the discretion of the clients. See SQ Document for more information.