Planning

School Meals Catering

LONDON BOROUGH OF MERTON

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

10 Jun 2025 at 09:57

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
PlanningUpdate

15 May 2025 at 12:18

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Planning

14 May 2025 at 11:12

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The London Borough of Merton is in the planning stage for a new procurement process aimed at acquiring a School Meals Catering Service. This will encompass the provision of healthy and nutritious meals for pupils and staff across 42 primary and special schools within the borough. Using an open procedure, this public service contract, classified under school catering services (CPV code 55524000), seeks to commence on 1st August 2026 and continue through 31st August 2030. Located in Morden, the buying organisation plans to publish further notices by 1st October 2025, indicating a procurement category primarily focused on services that adhere to the light-touch regime.

This contract presents significant growth opportunities for businesses, especially those skilled in delivering high-quality catering services. Companies specialising in food services, particularly those experienced in educational settings, can leverage their expertise to provide daily freshly cooked meals using high-quality ingredients. Additionally, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are considered suitable for this tender, aligning with the borough's emphasis on inclusive procurement. Aspiring suppliers can benefit from the chance to engage with multiple school sites, enhancing their portfolio and standing within the educational catering industry. Furthermore, the successful bidder will have responsibility for maintaining kitchen equipment, presenting another avenue for operational capacity development.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

School Meals Catering

Notice Description

Provision of School Meals Catering Service - referred to as the 'Service' - is currently delivered across 42 Merton Primary and Special schools within the borough. The supplier may provide catering for school pupils and staff primarily (but not necessarily exclusively) during the lunchtime period. The Service is currently provided to up to 39 primary schools and 3 special schools situated on 44 sites within the London Borough of Merton. This is subject to confirmation. The supplier would provide healthy and nutritious meals for each school, freshly cooked each day on site using high quality ingredients in accordance with a termly menu agreed with the Council and the schools. Additional services for further sites may be required. Under the terms of the Contract, the supplier would also be responsible for the maintenance (but not replacement) of kitchen equipment.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0512f0
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/031184-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services

CPV Codes

55524000 - School catering services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£19,950,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
10 Jun 20258 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Oct 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Jul 2026 - 31 Aug 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
LONDON BOROUGH OF MERTON
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
commercial.services@merton.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
MORDEN
Postcode
SM4 5DX
Post Town
Sutton
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI6 Outer London - South
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI63 Merton, Kingston upon Thames and Sutton
Delivery Location
TLI63 Merton, Kingston upon Thames and Sutton
Local Authority
Merton
Electoral Ward
Merton Park
Westminster Constituency
Wimbledon

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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