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Interim Provision of Catering Services in LDC Cookstown

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

23 Dec 2024 at 09:08

Award Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has awarded an interim contract for the provision of catering services at LDC Cookstown. The award, dated 2nd December 2024, was granted to Finches Catering with a contract value of £350,000. This is a limited procurement method where the call for competition was not published. The tender sought to address urgent catering needs for NIFRS trainees and third-party users in the UKN region under the "services" category within the food and catering industry (CPV: 55520000). The planning and tender stages highlighted specific challenges culminated in opting for an interim solution due to affordability and suppliers' capacity issues.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities for businesses within the catering industry, particularly those that can provide comprehensive services such as food preparation, delivery, and on-site serving. Companies with the capability to manage fluctuating demand and consistent service provision over a 7-day period would be well-suited. SMEs like Finches Catering, who received the interim contract, exemplify the potential for smaller businesses to secure significant public sector contracts, paving the way for future competitive tenders and long-term partnerships.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Interim Provision of Catering Services in LDC Cookstown

Notice Description

NIFRS has an imminent need to provide appropriate catering services for their trainees and third party users.

Lot Information

Lot 1

NIFRS has an imminent need to provide appropriate catering services for their trainees and third party users from a supplier who could cater for all NIFRS need; supply, deliver, serve, clean up.

Procurement Information

During the 2024 tender process, NIFRS undertook extensive market research within the local and wider area to understand all catering options available. One of these options was an 'on demand' catering service provision. Initial pre-market engagement evidenced that procuring one 'on demand' caterer wasn't a viable option, the primary common themes identified were; Location not suitable Fluctuating / low numbers on some days not attractive Demand of 7 days a week provision unsustainable; weekends would like to attend larger events. A number of suppliers could meet part of the need but not the full need e.g. prepare food, deliver food but not serve. The preferred option was to proceed with a full commercial kitchen catering service. This tender was collapsed on the basis of affordability. The one supplier who had tendered was asked if they would be interested in this reduced catering requirements (I.e. preparation and servicing of hot meals for trainees only with some light catering for third party usage), however they have confirmed that they do not have an interest at this time. Therefore due to an urgent need for this within LDC, an interim DAC will be awarded to Finchs, with the intention of a future competitive tender for a long term solution.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04cc7a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/041342-2024
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services

CPV Codes

55520000 - Catering services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£350,000 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Dec 20241 years ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
2 Dec 20241 years ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Cancelled
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LISBURN
Postcode
Not specified
Postcode Area
Not specified
Country
Not specified
Major Region (ITL 1)
Not specified
Basic Region (ITL 2)
Not specified
Small Region (ITL 3)
Not specified
Delivery Location
TLN Northern Ireland
Local Authority
Not specified
Electoral Ward
Not specified
Westminster Constituency
Not specified

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

Finches Catering

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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