This public procurement record has 5 releases in its history.

Award

08 Jul 2026 at 10:28

Award

15 Jun 2026 at 15:26

TenderUpdate

18 May 2026 at 13:12

Tender

20 Apr 2026 at 13:59

Planning

04 Feb 2026 at 15:39

Summary of the contracting process

The Education Authority Northern Ireland (EA) has completed the procurement process for the supply and delivery of sandwiches and associated products. This contract involves the provision of goods to EA school meals kitchens, outdoor education centres, and headquarters canteens across Northern Ireland. The contract began on 1st July 2026 and runs until 30th June 2028, with an option to extend by up to 48 months. This open procedure tender was valued at £8,400,000 and was awarded to Early Days Foods Ltd. The procurement falls under the category of 'goods' and adheres to UK Central Government and Northern Irish devolved regulations. Key dates include the award signing on 19th June 2026. The main location for contract performance is Northern Ireland (region UKN06), and the procurement was managed by the Education Authority, located in Belfast.

This procurement offers substantial opportunities for small to medium enterprises, particularly those in the food supply chain specialising in prepared foods like sandwiches. Businesses capable of meeting quality, availability, and delivery metrics would be ideally positioned to compete. The open procurement method ensures a transparent and competitive process, allowing SMEs to expand their client base within the public sector. Companies with the ability to innovate and provide consistent quality in food services can leverage this opportunity to grow, particularly through extended contract scope and potential future extensions.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Sandwiches and Associated Products

Notice Description

Supply and Delivery of Sandwiches and Associated Products to EA school meals kitchens, outdoor education centres and headquarter canteens within Northern Ireland. Contract period: 01 July 2026 - 30 June 2028 with options to extend for any additional period(s) of up to and including 48 months. The estimated value is : PS8,400,000 This Contract is established by the Education Authority and is open to the EA, including NI educational bodies as follows, who at some point, during the life of the Contract may wish to utilise the agreement and should have access at any point, with the permission of EA. This Contract is not intended to replace any current agreements that participating or nonparticipating institutions may already have in place. Department of Education - Schools Plus https://www.educationni.gov.uk/services/schoolsplus Primary and Post Primary schools under the control of the EA, Catholic Maintained Schools Independent Schools in NI, Irish Medium Schools in NI, both Controlled and Voluntary Grammar Schools, Nursery School for NI (both controlled, and Catholic Maintained), Schoolmeals kitchens on-site at all of these schools, and Controlled Youth Centres. Further Education Colleges in NI : https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/further educationfecolleges NICIE - https://nicie.org/ Grant Controlled Integrated Education Schools in NI Independent Schools in NI https://www.isc.co.uk/schools/northern-ireland/ EA Teachers' and Educational Centres Council for the Curriculum, Examination and Assessment NI (CCEA) Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Middletown Centre for Autism Controlled Schools Support Council (CSSC) Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) Pre-Schools and Nurseries included within the EA Pre-School Education Programme (PSEP)

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid. Additional items may be added to the Contract throughout the Term with the agreement of both the Buyer and the Supplier. This may include any Sandwiches, hospitality items and Associated Product options that may be required throughout the duration of the Contract.

Renewal: Option to extend for any additional period(s) of up to and including 48 months

Planning Information

PRE-MARKET ENGAGEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE (PME) for the Supply and Delivery of Sandwiches and Associated Products with Hospitality products for locations throughout Northern Ireland. Interested suppliers are asked to complete and return the questionnaire.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-064740
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/064088-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

15 - Food, beverages, tobacco and related products


CPV Codes

15811510 - Sandwiches

15811511 - Prepared sandwiches

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£8,400,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£8,400,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
£8,400,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
£8,400,000 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
19 May 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
16 Mar 2026Expired
Award Date
14 Jun 20261 months ago
Contract Period
30 Jun 2026 - 30 Jun 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
2032-04-01

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE EDUCATION AUTHORITY NI
Additional Buyers

THE EDUCATION AUTHORITY

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BELFAST
Postcode
BT1 2NQ
Post Town
Northern Ireland
Country
Northern Ireland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLN Northern Ireland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLN0 Northern Ireland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLN06 Belfast
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Belfast
Electoral Ward
Duncairn
Westminster Constituency
Belfast North

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

EARLY DAYS FOODS

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-064740-2026-07-08T11:28:19+01:00",
    "date": "2026-07-08T11:28:19+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-064740",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PPHJ-6982-JPXY",
            "name": "The Education Authority NI",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PPHJ-6982-JPXY"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "40 Academy Street",
                "locality": "Belfast",
                "postalCode": "BT1 2NQ",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKN06"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "catering.procure@eani.org.uk",
                "name": "catering.procure@eani.org.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    },
                    {
                        "id": "GB-NIR",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_DEVOLVED_REGULATIONS",
                        "description": "Northern Irish devolved regulations apply"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-NI063628",
            "name": "THE BRUNCH BOX SANDWICH COMPANY LIMITED",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "NI063628"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PRVT-4826-CHQM"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Unit H2",
                "locality": "Carrowreagh Road",
                "postalCode": "BT16 1QT",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKN0E"
            },
            "roles": [
                "tenderer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://WWW.THEBRUNCHBOX.COM",
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-NI614010",
            "name": "Early Days Foods Ltd",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "NI614010"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PGWJ-9261-LJTN"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Milltown House Milltown Industrial Estate",
                "locality": "Newry",
                "postalCode": "BT34 3FN",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKN08"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "ryan@earlydaysfoods.com"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://earlydaysfoods.com",
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false,
                "publicServiceMissionOrganization": false,
                "shelteredWorkshop": false
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PPHJ-6982-JPXY",
        "name": "The Education Authority NI"
    },
    "planning": {
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "PRE-MARKET ENGAGEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE (PME) for the Supply and Delivery of Sandwiches and Associated Products with Hospitality products for locations throughout Northern Ireland. Interested suppliers are asked to complete and return the questionnaire.",
                "dueDate": "2026-02-16T23:59:59+00:00",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "010107-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/010107-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-02-04T15:39:33Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "CAT-25-011",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Sandwiches and Associated Products",
        "description": "Supply and Delivery of Sandwiches and Associated Products to EA school meals kitchens, outdoor education centres and headquarter canteens within Northern Ireland. Contract period: 01 July 2026 - 30 June 2028 with options to extend for any additional period(s) of up to and including 48 months. The estimated value is : PS8,400,000 This Contract is established by the Education Authority and is open to the EA, including NI educational bodies as follows, who at some point, during the life of the Contract may wish to utilise the agreement and should have access at any point, with the permission of EA. This Contract is not intended to replace any current agreements that participating or nonparticipating institutions may already have in place. Department of Education - Schools Plus https://www.educationni.gov.uk/services/schoolsplus Primary and Post Primary schools under the control of the EA, Catholic Maintained Schools Independent Schools in NI, Irish Medium Schools in NI, both Controlled and Voluntary Grammar Schools, Nursery School for NI (both controlled, and Catholic Maintained), Schoolmeals kitchens on-site at all of these schools, and Controlled Youth Centres. Further Education Colleges in NI : https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/further educationfecolleges NICIE - https://nicie.org/ Grant Controlled Integrated Education Schools in NI Independent Schools in NI https://www.isc.co.uk/schools/northern-ireland/ EA Teachers' and Educational Centres Council for the Curriculum, Examination and Assessment NI (CCEA) Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Middletown Centre for Autism Controlled Schools Support Council (CSSC) Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) Pre-Schools and Nurseries included within the EA Pre-School Education Programme (PSEP)",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "15811510",
                        "description": "Sandwiches"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "15811511",
                        "description": "Prepared sandwiches"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 8400000,
            "amount": 8400000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "goods",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-07-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2028-06-30T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2032-06-30T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "status": "complete",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 8400000,
                    "amount": 8400000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "AC1 Methodology on delivering the products to required standards and quality",
                            "description": "Full details can be found in the doucments section of the CfT on eTendersNI https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 25,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "AC2 Marketing & Growth Strategy to increase uptake across schools",
                            "description": "Full details can be found in the documents section of the CfT on eTendersNI https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "AC3 Total Contract Price",
                            "description": "Full details can be found in the doucment section of the CfT on eTendersNI https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 45,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "AC1 Methodology on delivering the products to required standards and quality",
                            "description": "Full details can be found in the doucments section of the CfT on eTendersNI https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 25,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "AC2 Marketing & Growth Strategy to increase uptake across schools",
                            "description": "Full details can be found in the documents section of the CfT on eTendersNI https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "AC3 Total Contract Price",
                            "description": "Full details can be found in the doucment section of the CfT on eTendersNI https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 45,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "selectionCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "technical",
                            "description": "CoP 1 - Technical ability to perform the contract - Previous Experience, CoP 2 - Accreditation, CoP 3 - Food Premises Inspection Report, CoP 4 - Food safety management procedures, CoP 5 - Recall and Withdrawal Procedure"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "technical",
                            "description": "CoP 1 - Technical ability to perform the contract - Previous Experience, CoP 2 - Accreditation, CoP 3 - Food Premises Inspection Report, CoP 4 - Food safety management procedures, CoP 5 - Recall and Withdrawal Procedure"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Option to extend for any additional period(s) of up to and including 48 months"
                },
                "hasOptions": true,
                "options": {
                    "description": "The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid. Additional items may be added to the Contract throughout the Term with the agreement of both the Buyer and the Supplier. This may include any Sandwiches, hospitality items and Associated Product options that may be required throughout the duration of the Contract."
                }
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2026-03-16T23:59:59+00:00"
        },
        "status": "complete",
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "submissionMethodDetails": "Full details can be found in the documents section of the CfT on eTendersNI https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-05-19T15:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-05-11T15:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-06-16T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "lotDetails": {
            "noLotsDivisionRationale": "The evaluation panel identified a significant risk: if the tender was divided in lots by region, there is a strong possibility that no supplier would bid for the western counties, leaving the EA without guaranteed and consistent supply."
        },
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "035716-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035716-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-04-20T14:59:16+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "045374-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045374-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-18T14:12:17+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "hasRecurrence": true,
        "recurrence": {
            "dates": [
                {
                    "startDate": "2032-04-01T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                {
                    "startDate": "2032-04-01T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            ]
        },
        "contractTerms": {
            "financialTerms": "Full details can be found in the documents section of the CfT on eTendersNI https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps"
        },
        "riskDetails": "The Buyer cannot guarantee any particular level of business (volumes/values) within the Contract.",
        "amendments": [
            {
                "id": "045374-2026",
                "description": "Please note that the tender submission deadline was extended to 3pm on 19 May 2026."
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en",
    "bids": {
        "details": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "valid",
                "tenderers": [
                    {
                        "id": "GB-COH-NI614010",
                        "name": "EARLY DAYS FOODS LIMITED"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLots": [
                    "1"
                ]
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "status": "valid",
                "tenderers": [
                    {
                        "id": "GB-COH-NI063628",
                        "name": "THE BRUNCH BOX SANDWICH COMPANY LIMITED"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLots": [
                    "1"
                ]
            }
        ],
        "statistics": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "measure": "bids",
                "value": 2,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "measure": "finalStageBids",
                "value": 2,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "measure": "smeFinalStageBids",
                "value": 2,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "measure": "vcseFinalStageBids",
                "value": 0,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ]
    },
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "title": "Sandwiches and Associated Products",
            "status": "active",
            "date": "2026-06-15T00:00:00+01:00",
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 8400000,
                "amount": 8400000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "mainProcurementCategory": "goods",
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-COH-NI614010",
                    "name": "Early Days Foods Ltd"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "15811510",
                            "description": "Sandwiches"
                        },
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "15811511",
                            "description": "Prepared sandwiches"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UKN",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "1"
                }
            ],
            "standstillPeriod": {
                "endDate": "2026-06-25T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "contractPeriod": {
                "startDate": "2026-07-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2028-06-30T23:59:59+01:00",
                "maxExtentDate": "2032-06-30T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "hasRenewal": true,
            "renewal": {
                "description": "Option to extend for any additional period(s) of up to and including 48 months"
            },
            "hasOptions": true,
            "options": {
                "description": "The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid. Additional items may be added to the Contract throughout the Term with the agreement of both the Buyer and the Supplier. This may include any Sandwiches, hospitality items and Associated Product options that may be required throughout the duration of the Contract."
            },
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "056331-2026",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK6",
                    "description": "Contract award notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/056331-2026",
                    "datePublished": "2026-06-15T16:26:29+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ],
            "assessmentSummariesDateSent": "2026-06-15T00:00:00+01:00",
            "milestones": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "type": "futureSignatureDate",
                    "dueDate": "2026-06-26T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "status": "scheduled"
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "contracts": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "awardID": "1",
            "title": "Sandwiches and Associated Products",
            "status": "active",
            "period": {
                "startDate": "2026-07-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2028-06-30T23:59:59+01:00",
                "maxExtentDate": "2032-06-30T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "hasRenewal": true,
            "renewal": {
                "description": "Option to extend for any additional period(s) of up to and including 48 months"
            },
            "hasOptions": true,
            "options": {
                "description": "The right to additional purchases which fall under the scope of the contract, while the contract is valid. The EA Catering Service will continuously review the product range and specifications of items on this Contract. The Supplier will be required to work with the EA Catering Service in sourcing any new products that may be required."
            },
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 8400000,
                "amount": 8400000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "dateSigned": "2026-06-19T00:00:00+01:00",
            "agreedMetrics": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "title": "Quality",
                    "description": "Supplier to provide a quarterly report detailing: * Number of quality related complaints received. * Percentage of complaints relative to total quarterly volume, which must remain below 0.5%.",
                    "observations": [
                        {
                            "id": "frequency",
                            "period": {
                                "durationInMonths": 12
                            }
                        }
                    ]
                },
                {
                    "id": "2",
                    "title": "Availability",
                    "description": ">90% of contracted products must be available for delivery each month.",
                    "observations": [
                        {
                            "id": "frequency",
                            "period": {
                                "durationInMonths": 12
                            }
                        }
                    ]
                },
                {
                    "id": "3",
                    "title": "Delivery",
                    "description": ">=95% on time, in full (OTIF) deliveries. * 100% of deliveries must be made within kitchen opening hours and handed over to staff at an agreed point within the premises.",
                    "observations": [
                        {
                            "id": "frequency",
                            "period": {
                                "durationInMonths": 12
                            }
                        }
                    ]
                },
                {
                    "id": "4",
                    "title": "Social Value",
                    "description": "Delivery of social value obligations must remain on track in line with the approved Social Value Delivery Plan.",
                    "observations": [
                        {
                            "id": "frequency",
                            "period": {
                                "durationInMonths": 12
                            }
                        }
                    ]
                }
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "064088-2026",
                    "documentType": "contractNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK7",
                    "description": "Contract details notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/064088-2026",
                    "datePublished": "2026-07-08T11:28:19+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}