Marlow Education Trust ~ Catering Tender

Basis of Contract

The Trust is currently seeking a catering contractor with ample experience to provide catering services at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School. The contractor will need to be highly creative and innovative, and able to introduce new food concepts that cater to the diverse range of pupil tastes and dietary requirements. As the school places a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, it is essential that the chosen contractor has extensive knowledge and expertise in providing healthy food options which are fresh, seasonal and locally sourced and prepared at the school. This includes being well-versed in nutritional standards and requirements and ensuring that the menus are designed to fuel pupils throughout the day. Additionally, the contractor will be expected to conduct a comprehensive review of the current catering services and provide recommendations on how to enhance the existing offerings. The main aim of this exercise is to deliver a superior catering experience that aligns with the school's vision and values.

The chosen contractor must propose innovative ways to make the contract more environmentally friendly and carbon neutral. This should apply to both the contract delivery and the contractor's organization, following the environmental policies of Sir William Borlase's Grammar School. The contractor's approach to sustainability must align with that of the school.

The contract being tendered is from 1st January 2025 until 31st December 2028 for an initial 3-year period with an option to extend for a further 2 years at the discretion of the client. The contract will operate as a guaranteed performance Contract, with the successful contractor offering the school a guaranteed return/ cost for the provision of catering services. Sovereignty of the cash tariff is to remain with the Trust for the duration of this contract.

The contract offered covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the School, which currently includes, breakfast mid-morning break, lunch, all hospitality, and free issue requirements. Free School meals and hospitality will be charged based on consumption and at net food cost.

Whilst the Trust prioritises value for money as a key objective of the Competitive Tender Process, it is not obliged to accept the lowest price.

Contract value:

Sales performance per annum is circa £340,000

The value of the new contract is circa £1,700,000 (Current annual contract cost, multiplied by 5, being the maximum 5-year term of the contract)

Other notes:

•Please be advised that this contract will be let on a 3 + 1 + 1 year basis.

•Please be advised that there are not currently any catering staff in the LGPS

•Please be advised that the catering service is currently contracted to Innovate.

•Please be advised that the School has a minimum requirement for a contractor’s employer 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

See SQ Document for further information Additional information: This is a Contract Award Notice - this contract has already been awarded.