Tender

Chester Diocesan Learning Trust (CDLT) Catering Framework Tender 2026

RPJ3 GROUP

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

23 Jan 2026 at 16:19

Summary of the contracting process

The public procurement process detailed here concerns the Chester Diocesan Learning Trust's (CDLT) Catering Framework Tender 2026, facilitated by RPJ3 Group. This tender falls under the industry category of school catering services and is geographically focused on the United Kingdom, particularly in the UKD6 region. The tender process is currently at the "tender" stage, with a participation stage beginning in early March 2026. Deadlines include an expression of interest by 17 February 2026, a tender response deadline in early April 2026, and a planned contract start on 1 August 2026. The process employs a selective procurement method utilizing a competitive flexible procedure.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses in the catering sector, particularly those with a robust local infrastructure capable of supporting the needs of the Chester Diocesan Learning Trust's schools. The framework seeks up to three contractors, inviting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate, especially those proficient in providing flexible catering solutions that align with school ethos. The contract, valued at up to £4,800,000 gross, spans an initial three-year term with options to extend for an additional two years, presenting a lucrative prospect for businesses keen on expanding in the educational services sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Chester Diocesan Learning Trust (CDLT) Catering Framework Tender 2026

Notice Description

The Chester Diocesan Learning Trust are seeking to procure a number of providers for a multi-supplier framework for catering services. The main objective of this procurement exercise is to deliver the procurement of a framework that will enable the Trust to source catering services for its schools. There are initially 6 schools in this framework, however, other schools may call off later. It should be noted that it is not mandatory for schools to use this framework. Schools will only call off from this agreement if they have a requirement to do so. It is envisaged the number of contractors on the framework will be between 1 and 3 The provision of the service must demonstrate the best value approach and be flexible in its delivery and operation to ensure that the needs and ethos of individual schools are supported. This framework process is targeted to have a catering contract in place to commence in August 2026 for the initial direct award schools. Please note that this process covers all catering services within the Trust schools with full tender costings and proposals for the schools for a contract start in in August 2026 for the initial direct award schools. These details will be further explained in the ITT documents. The process will be through a competitive flexible procedure commencing with a participation stage to create a select bidder list following analysis of a PSQ document (within which the scoring criteria will be included). The nature of the contract demands a good local infrastructure to provide and maintain the level and standard of catering services and support required by the Trust. Labour resource/relief cover is very important. We have set a minimum Employer's (compulsory) liability insurance of 10,000,000 GBP). Following the analysis of PSQ's the selected bidders will be invited to attend site surveys and tender briefing initially planned for early March 2026. Tender response deadline is planned as early April 2026 and it is envisaged that interviews will take place in early May 2026. The contract will be for a 3 +1 +1 period (5 years in total including the option to extend for 1 + 1years after the initial 3 year term).

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: The contract is for 3 years with the option to extend for a further 1 +1 years therefore 5 years in total

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-060db4
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/006347-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible 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
£4,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£4,000,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Jan 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Jul 2026 - 31 Jul 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
RPJ3 GROUP
Contact Name
Neil Mayers
Contact Email
neil@rpj3group.co.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
WIRRAL
Postcode
CH46 3SA
Post Town
Chester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD7 Merseyside
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD74 Wirral
Delivery Location
TLD6 Cheshire

Local Authority
Wirral
Electoral Ward
Leasowe and Moreton East
Westminster Constituency
Wallasey

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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