Official UK procurement notice
Provision of Food Supply · UK public procurement notice
Authority: Academies for Character & Excellence (Central government)·On behalf of: PHP LAW LLP
What is being bought3 lots · detail below
Published requirement descriptionThe contract is for a food supply provision that will provide high quality and fresh, local ingredients and food stuffs for the school catering provision in accordance with the service specification and the associated tender documents. The Trust was looking for
suppliers that can provide locally sourced, fresh, high quality and value for money products to enable school catering teams to create fresh and healthy school meals for pupils and staff. The Tenderer is required to work in partnership with the Trust, offering
clear lines of communication and ensuring cohesion with the roles and responsibilities as identified in Document 2. Specification of Requirement.
- No preliminary market engagement: The justification is that the requirements are not complex or niche and the Contracting Authority already has an understanding of what they want the service to deliver and the market is known.
CPV: Assorted dairy products · Dairy products · Deep-frozen products · Diced, sliced and other frozen potatoes · Dry goods · Food, beverages, tobacco and related products · Fresh or frozen vegetables · Frozen crustaceans · Frozen fish · Frozen fish products · Frozen fish, fish fillets and other fish meat · Frozen potatoes · +5 more
Lots and requirements (3)Procurement structure
3 lots · all with a published value (£2,020,000 together) · same evaluation weights on every lotLot #1Fresh MeatsAwardedRenewalPublished value£380,000
The Contractor is required to be able to supply and deliver the list of food items for this Lot, which is listed in Appendix A in the tender documents. To meet the Minimum Conditions of Participation for this contract, the Contractor will have the following accreditations in place: a. Red Tractor – to give the Trust assurance that the entire food chain meets high standards that exceed minimum UK welfare requirements, ensuring ethical sourcing and quality control. b. EBLEX (AHDB Beef and Lamb – to integrate Quality Standard beef and lamb into school menus and provide the Trust assurance of traceability, animal welfare, food safety and quality assurance. c. MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) – to give assurance that menus will contain seafood that is sustainably sourced, aligning with national food standards and educational initiatives.
- Economic & financial standing
A financial appraisal will be based upon a credit check Please confirm whether you already have, or can commit to obtain, prior to the award of the contract, the requirements indicated below or equivalent: a. The Red Tractor – to give the Trust assurance that the entire food chain meets high standards that exceed minimum UK welfare requirements, ensuring ethical sourcing and quality control. b. EBLEX (AHDB Beef and Lamb – to integrate Quality Standard beef and lamb into school menus and provide the Trust assurance of traceability, animal welfare, food safety and quality assurance. c. MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) – to give assurance that menus will contain seafood that is sustainably sourced, aligning with national food standards and educational initiatives.
- Technical & professional ability
Provide 3 relevant previous contract examples To constitute a pass, the contract examples provided shall be relevant to the requirement, with a sufficient level of detail that provides confidence in the Tenderer’s established past experience in similar and relevant projects/contracts. The contracts must be within the education sector and similar complexity and working on more than one site within the contract.
Lot #2Frozen, Dry, Ambient and DairyAwardedRenewalPublished value£1,260,000
The Contractor is required to be able to supply and deliver the list of food items for this Lot, which is listed in Appendix A in the tender documents. The Trust desires that Contractors have in place the BRCGS – Global Standard for Food Safety accreditation or equivalent (SALSA, ISO 22000) that will give the Trust assurance that the Contractor’s food production site: a. Implements robust food safety systems (e.g., HACCP) b. Has comprehensive traceability c. Follows legal and customer safety requirements d. Operates under hygienic and controlled conditions
- Economic & financial standing
A financial appraisal will be based upon a credit check
- Technical & professional ability
Provide 3 relevant previous contract examples To constitute a pass, the contract examples provided shall be relevant to the requirement, with a sufficient level of detail that provides confidence in the Tenderer’s established past experience in similar and relevant projects/contracts. The contracts must be within the education sector and similar complexity and working on more than one site within the contract.
Lot #3Fresh Fruit and VegetablesAwardedRenewalPublished value£380,000
The Contractor is required to be able to supply and deliver the list of food items for this Lot, which is listed in Appendix A in the tender documents.
- Economic & financial standing
A financial appraisal will be based upon a credit check
- Technical & professional ability
Provide 3 relevant previous contract examples To constitute a pass, the contract examples provided shall be relevant to the requirement, with a sufficient level of detail that provides confidence in the Tenderer’s established past experience in similar and relevant projects/contracts. The contracts must be within the education sector and similar complexity and working on more than one site within the contract.
What it takes to wini
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add morei
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Published sub-criteria (4)
- Quality of Product: 30%
- Quality of Service Delivery & Ordering: 20%
- Contract Management: 10%
- Overall Price: 40%
Published award criteria (4)
- Quality of Product
- Quality of Service Delivery & Ordering
- Contract Management
- Overall Price
- Price carries 40 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 4 points. The method statement decides this lot, not the discount.
Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record- Procedure method
- Open procedure
- Legal basis
- UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement category
- Goods
- Notice status
- Awarded
- Procurement threshold
- Above threshold (FTS publication)
- Regulatory regime
- Standard
- Commercial structure
- Stand-alone contract (no framework)
- Competition type
- Competitive procedure
- GPA / WTO covered
- Yes (GPA)
- Recurring procurement
- Unspecified in notice
- First published
- 20 May 2025, 12:14 BST
- Last source update
- 4 Nov 2025, 19:26 GMT
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 27 Jul 2025
- Authority reference
ACE01.62- FTS notice number
2025/S 000-023167- Latest notice
- Contract details notice (UK7)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area in notice
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-051884Find a Tender- Contract terms summary
Invoices are to be submitted in arrears in a format agreed by the Trust. The Provider must ensure that invoices are raised without delay. Payments will be made by BACS. Invoices shall be supported by detailed electronic information in a format as agreed with the Trust.
- Risks
isks to contract performance are: Compliance and Regulatory Risks: Failure to comply with regulations and standards can lead to legal penalties and increased liability. Regular updates to safety regulations may require ongoing adjustments to the contract and services provided. Operational Risks: Delays in response times for the provision of workers. Not being able to fullfil the orders Financial Risks: Inaccurate cost estimates or underfunding can lead to incomplete or substandard service delivery. Vendor Risks: A Contractor may fail to meet contractual obligations or commit a matereial breach. Contractor may face operational or financial difficulties. Technological Risks: Outdated or incompatible technology can hinder the effectiveness of fire and security systems. Cybersecurity threats to digital security systems can compromise sensitive information and system integrity. Communication Risks: Poor communication between the Contractor and the Trust can lead to misunderstandings and unmet expectations. Lack of clear protocols for reporting and addressing issues can delay resolution and increase risks.
How it was run
Official notice- Submission deadline
- 20 Jun 2025, 12:00 BST
- Clarification deadline
- 30 May 2025, 12:00 BST
- Submission channel
- Official e-sourcing portal
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
Timeline
20 May 2025 → 4 Nov 2025 · 8 dates- Tender notice published20 May 2025, 12:14 BST
- Clarification questions by30 May 2025, 12:00 BST
- Submission deadline20 Jun 2025, 12:00 BST
- Award decision expected by27 Jul 2025, 00:59 BST
- Assessment summaries sent19 Aug 2025, 00:00 BST
- Standstill ends29 Aug 2025, 23:59 BST
- Contract starts1 Sept 2025
- Latest notice published346 days ago4 Nov 2025, 19:26 GMT
Notice history
6 events · 3 releases on Find a Tender · since 20 May 2025- Tender notice published20 May 2025, 12:14 BSTUK4
- Contract award notice published19 Aug 2025, 16:36 BSTUK6
- Status changed to complete19 Aug 2025, 16:36 BST
- Buyer details updated19 Aug 2025, 16:36 BST
- Contract signature expected1 Sept 2025, 23:59 BSTscheduled
- Contract details notice published4 Nov 2025, 19:26 GMTUK7
Commercial outcome & contract awards
Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast| Awarded to | Value | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lot 1 · Fresh Meats1 award | |||
| Savona FoodserviceLot 1 Fresh Meat1 Sept 2025 – 31 Aug 2028 · up to 31 Aug 2030Extensions: Two further years in 12 month increments (3+1+1) · Options: The right to add in extra schools that join the Trust | £380,000 | 15 Aug 2025 | Awarded |
| Lot 2 · Frozen, Dry, Ambient and Dairy1 award | |||
| Savona FoodserviceLot 2 Frozen, Dry, Ambient and Dairy1 Sept 2025 – 31 Aug 2028 · up to 31 Aug 2030Extensions: Two further year in 12 month increments (3+1+1) · Options: The right to add in extra schools that join the Trust | £1,260,000 | 15 Aug 2025 | Awarded |
| Lot 3 · Fresh Fruit and Vegetables1 award | |||
| Redbridge Produce & Flowers Ltd T/A Total Produce1 Sept 2025 – 31 Aug 2028 · up to 31 Aug 2030Extensions: Two further years in 12 month increments (3+1+1) · Options: The right to add in extra schools that join the Trust | £380,000 | 15 Aug 2025 | Awarded |
Contracts
Lot 1 - Fresh Meats · Savona Foodservice
- Signed
- 1 Sept 2025
- Value
- £380,000
- Period
- 1 Sept 2025 – 31 Aug 2028 · up to 31 Aug 2030 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- Two further years in 12 month increments (3+1+1)
- Options
- The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid. The right to add in extra schools that join the Trust
10 agreed KPIs: Order Fulfilment · Delivery Timescales · Required Products …
- Order Fulfilment, 98.5% of orders are delivered as per the Customer Establishment orders.
- Delivery Timescales, 98.5% of orders are delivered to the Customer on time (on specified delivery date and within delivery window).
- Required Products, 98.5% of Products required by the Customer are available at the time of delivery
- Deliveries, Shortages and Faulty Products, Delivery shortages or faulty Product failures are rectified within 1 working day.
- Pricing Accuracy, The pricing accuracy for the Customer is 99.5%. Any pricing errors shall be rectified by accurate credit notes within two working days. Reports for the above shall be available and sent to the Customer upon request.
- Price Files, Price files are accurate and submitted to Customers on a quarterly basis. The Contractor shall ensure that any price file anomalies are corrected within 2 working days.
- Price File Review Meetings, Contractor Account Manager attends Contract Price File review meetings with the Customer in line with the Customer's Specific Requirements.
- Promotions, Seasonal Products/promotions and offers are submitted to the Customer on a monthly basis.
- Account Management, Contractor Account Manager attends Contract review meetings with the Customer at the Commencement of the Contract and then on a termly basis.
- Complaints, Detailed information on complaints received in respect of Product quality or service delivery including the remedial actions taken are submitted to the Customer on a monthly basis.
Lot 2 Frozen, Dry, Ambient and Dairy · Savona Foodservice
- Signed
- 1 Sept 2025
- Value
- £1,260,000
- Period
- 1 Sept 2025 – 31 Aug 2028 · up to 31 Aug 2030 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- Two further year in 12 month increments (3+1+1)
- Options
- The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid. The right to add in extra schools that join the Trust
10 agreed KPIs: Order Fulfilment · Delivery Timescales · Required Products …
- Order Fulfilment, 98.5% of orders are delivered as per the Customer Establishment orders.
- Delivery Timescales, 98.5% of orders are delivered to the Customer on time (on specified delivery date and within delivery window).
- Required Products, 98.5% of Products required by the Customer are available at the time of delivery
- Deliveries, Shortages and Faulty Products, Delivery shortages or faulty Product failures are rectified within 1 working day.
- Pricing Accuracy, The pricing accuracy for the Customer is 99.5%. Any pricing errors shall be rectified by accurate credit notes within two working days. Reports for the above shall be available and sent to the Customer upon request.
- Price Files, Price files are accurate and submitted to Customers on a quarterly basis. The Contractor shall ensure that any price file anomalies are corrected within 2 working days.
- Price File Review Meetings, Contractor Account Manager attends Contract Price File review meetings with the Customer in line with the Customer's Specific Requirements.
- Promotions, Seasonal Products/promotions and offers are submitted to the Customer on a monthly basis.
- Account Management, Contractor Account Manager attends Contract review meetings with the Customer at the Commencement of the Contract and then on a termly basis.
- Complaints, Detailed information on complaints received in respect of Product quality or service delivery including the remedial actions taken are submitted to the Customer on a monthly basis.
Lot 3 - Fresh Fruit and Vegetables · Redbridge Produce & Flowers Ltd T/A Total Produce
- Signed
- 1 Sept 2025
- Value
- £380,000
- Period
- 1 Sept 2025 – 31 Aug 2028 · up to 31 Aug 2030 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- Two further years in 12 month increments (3+1+1)
- Options
- The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid. The right to add in extra schools that join the Trust
Bid statistics published by the authority
| Lot | Bids | SME | VCSE | Valid bid range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 · Fresh Meats | 2final-stage tenders | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2 · Frozen, Dry, Ambient and Dairy | 4final-stage tenders | 4 | 4 | — |
| 3 · Fresh Fruit and Vegetables | 3final-stage tenders | 3 | 0 | — |
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
3 public bodies on the noticeConsortium members and other public bodies
- PHP LAW LLPProcess contact pointProcuring entityProcurement Consultant
- THE ACADEMIES FOR CHARACTER AND EXCELLENCEContracting authorityPublic authority - sub-central government
Bidders & participating suppliers
2 commercial parties on the notice- REDBRIDGE PRODUCE & FLOWERS LIMITEDAwarded supplier
- SAVONA FOODSERVICE LTDAwarded supplier
Official documents & specifications (7)
Official links; attachments are not copiedNotices published for this procedure
- Contract details notice Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- Contract details notice Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- Contract details notice Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender