This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

10 Jul 2026 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

Highland Council is inviting tenders through an open procedure for a framework agreement to provide catering services for Inverness Town House, with a budget of £250,000. The procurement process, currently in the tender stage, focuses on the provision of formal meals, drinks service, buffets, and canapes. It is part of the 'General public services' category and located in Inverness, Scotland, within the UKM6 region. Potential suppliers must submit their electronic bids by the deadline of 17 August 2026, with the award period starting the same day. The contracting period for the successful bidder(s) will commence on 1 October 2026 and run until 30 September 2028, with an option to extend up to 2030.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses specializing in catering services, especially those with experience in providing high-quality, locally sourced produce. Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and companies focusing on formal dining, buffet arrangements, and drink service staffing can benefit from engaging with Highland Council's requirements. By participating in this framework, businesses have the potential to gain long-term contracts and enhance their market presence in the Inverness region. The inclusion of community benefits as part of the tender is also attractive for businesses dedicated to corporate social responsibility and local community engagement.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Inverness Town House Catering

Notice Description

Framework for catering services for the Inverness Town House.

Lot Information

Lot 1: Formal Meals

The provision of Formal Meals requires a selection of at least three seasonal meals for each of the bronze, silver and gold menus to provide the basis of a structured selection of meals that range in price from a basic three course meal to the very highest standard of locally sourced produce, presented to a very high standard.

Renewal: 2 x 12 month optional extensions available with a maximum end date of 30/09/2030.

Lot 4: Drinks Service

The provision of a bar service is for staffing only and may be required at each event or as a standalone external/internal event. There will be a requirement for a bar to be staffed by suitably trained members of the team. Tea, Coffee, Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages may be table service or full bar service. The Highland Council will provide all stock and necessary equipment to provide a free and where necessary paid for bar, soft drinks and tea and coffee service.

Renewal: 2 x 12 month optional extensions available with a maximum end date of 30/09/2030.

Lot 2: Buffets

The provision of Buffets requires a selection of buffet options to be provided at an event. A structured selection of items that range in price from a basic to the very highest standard items of locally sourced produce, presented to a very high standard. The suppliers should provide a selection of bronze, silver and gold categorised buffet items with dietary options as per the quality evaluation.

Renewal: 2 x 12 month optional extensions available with a maximum end date of 30/09/2030.

Lot 3: Canapes

The provision of Canapes requires a selection of canape options to be provided at an event. A structured selection of canapes that range in price from a basic to the very highest standard of locally sourced produce, presented to a very high standard. The suppliers should provide a selection of bronze, silver and gold categorised canape items with dietary options as per the quality evaluation.

Renewal: 2 x 12 month optional extensions available with a maximum end date of 30/09/2030.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000837122
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL559945
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services


CPV Codes

55400000 - Beverage-serving services

55520000 - Catering services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£250,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
10 Jul 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline
17 Aug 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Oct 2026 - 30 Sep 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
6 months prior to the framework expiry.

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
HIGHLAND COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
INVERNESS
Postcode
IV3 5NX
Post Town
Inverness
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM2 Highlands and Islands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM20 Highlands and Islands
Delivery Location
TLM62 Inverness and Nairn, Moray, and Badenoch and Strathspey

Local Authority
Highland
Electoral Ward
Inverness West
Westminster Constituency
Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire

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-r6ebe6-0000837122-2026-07-10T00:00:00Z",
    "date": "2026-07-10T00:00:00Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-r6ebe6-0000837122",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "org-41",
            "name": "Highland Council",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Highland Council"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Glenurquhart Road",
                "locality": "Inverness",
                "region": "UKM6",
                "postalCode": "IV3 5NX"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "CPSSprocurement@aberdeencity.gov.uk",
                "telephone": "+44 1467530600",
                "url": "http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "Regional or local authority",
                        "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE"
                    },
                    {
                        "id": "01",
                        "description": "General public services",
                        "scheme": "COFOG"
                    }
                ],
                "url": "https://www.highland.gov.uk"
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "org-42",
            "name": "Inverness Sheriff Court",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Inverness Sheriff Court"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "The Inverness Justice Centre, Longman Rd",
                "locality": "Inverness",
                "postalCode": "IV1 1AH"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "url": "http://"
            },
            "roles": [
                "reviewBody"
            ]
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "name": "Highland Council",
        "id": "org-41"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "ocds-r6ebe6-0000837122",
        "title": "Inverness Town House Catering",
        "description": "Framework for catering services for the Inverness Town House.",
        "status": "active",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "55520000",
                        "scheme": "CPV"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryLocation": {
                    "description": "Inverness Town House"
                },
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKM62"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "55400000",
                        "scheme": "CPV"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryLocation": {
                    "description": "Inverness Town House"
                },
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKM62"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "4"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "55520000",
                        "scheme": "CPV"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryLocation": {
                    "description": "Inverness Town House"
                },
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKM62"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "2"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "55520000",
                        "scheme": "CPV"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryLocation": {
                    "description": "Inverness Town House"
                },
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKM62"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "3"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amount": 250000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "submissionMethod": [
            "electronicSubmission"
        ],
        "submissionMethodDetails": "http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk",
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-08-17T12:00:00Z"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "startDate": "2026-08-17T12:00:00Z"
        },
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "JUL559945",
                "documentType": "contractNotice",
                "title": "Inverness Town House Catering",
                "description": "Framework for catering services for the Inverness Town House.",
                "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL559945",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "economic",
                "documentType": "economicSelectionCriteria"
            },
            {
                "id": "technical",
                "documentType": "technicalSelectionCriteria"
            },
            {
                "id": "JUL559945-1",
                "title": "Invitation to Tender (ITT)",
                "datePublished": "2026-07-10T16:20:14Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-07-10T16:20:14Z",
                "format": "application/pdf"
            },
            {
                "id": "JUL559945-2",
                "title": "Appendix 1 - Award Questionnaire",
                "datePublished": "2026-07-10T16:20:15Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-07-10T16:20:15Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document"
            },
            {
                "id": "JUL559945-3",
                "title": "Appendix 2 - Pricing Schedule",
                "datePublished": "2026-07-10T16:20:15Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-07-10T16:20:15Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document"
            },
            {
                "id": "JUL559945-4",
                "title": "Appendix 3 - Certificates & Declaration",
                "datePublished": "2026-07-10T16:20:15Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-07-10T16:20:15Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document"
            },
            {
                "id": "JUL559945-5",
                "title": "Appendix 4 - Terms & Conditions",
                "datePublished": "2026-07-10T16:20:15Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-07-10T16:20:15Z",
                "format": "application/pdf"
            },
            {
                "id": "JUL559945-6",
                "title": "Appendix 5 - Business Continuity",
                "datePublished": "2026-07-10T16:20:15Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-07-10T16:20:15Z",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document"
            },
            {
                "id": "JUL559945-7",
                "title": "Appendix 6 - Community Benefits Guidance Document",
                "datePublished": "2026-07-10T16:20:15Z",
                "dateModified": "2026-07-10T16:20:15Z",
                "format": "application/pdf"
            }
        ],
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "title": "Lot 1: Formal Meals",
                "description": "The provision of Formal Meals requires a selection of at least three seasonal meals for each of the bronze, silver and gold menus to provide the basis of a structured selection of meals that range in price from a basic three course meal to the very highest standard of locally sourced produce, presented to a very high standard.",
                "status": "active",
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality - Written Quality",
                            "description": "30"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "description": "40"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "hasOptions": false,
                "submissionTerms": {
                    "variantPolicy": "notAllowed"
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-10-01T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2028-09-30T00:00:00Z"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "2 x 12 month optional extensions available with a maximum end date of 30/09/2030."
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "title": "Lot 4: Drinks Service",
                "description": "The provision of a bar service is for staffing only and may be required at each event or as a standalone external/internal event. There will be a requirement for a bar to be staffed by suitably trained members of the team. Tea, Coffee, Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages may be table service or full bar service. The Highland Council will provide all stock and necessary equipment to provide a free and where necessary paid for bar, soft drinks and tea and coffee service.",
                "status": "active",
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality - Written Quality",
                            "description": "60"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "description": "40"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "hasOptions": false,
                "submissionTerms": {
                    "variantPolicy": "notAllowed"
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-10-01T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2028-09-30T00:00:00Z"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "2 x 12 month optional extensions available with a maximum end date of 30/09/2030."
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "title": "Lot 2: Buffets",
                "description": "The provision of Buffets requires a selection of buffet options to be provided at an event. A structured selection of items that range in price from a basic to the very highest standard items of locally sourced produce, presented to a very high standard. The suppliers should provide a selection of bronze, silver and gold categorised buffet items with dietary options as per the quality evaluation.",
                "status": "active",
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality - Written Quality",
                            "description": "30"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "description": "40"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "hasOptions": false,
                "submissionTerms": {
                    "variantPolicy": "notAllowed"
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-10-01T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2028-09-30T00:00:00Z"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "2 x 12 month optional extensions available with a maximum end date of 30/09/2030."
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "title": "Lot 3: Canapes",
                "description": "The provision of Canapes requires a selection of canape options to be provided at an event. A structured selection of canapes that range in price from a basic to the very highest standard of locally sourced produce, presented to a very high standard. The suppliers should provide a selection of bronze, silver and gold categorised canape items with dietary options as per the quality evaluation.",
                "status": "active",
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality - Written Quality",
                            "description": "30"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "description": "40"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "hasOptions": false,
                "submissionTerms": {
                    "variantPolicy": "notAllowed"
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-10-01T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2028-09-30T00:00:00Z"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "2 x 12 month optional extensions available with a maximum end date of 30/09/2030."
                }
            }
        ],
        "lotDetails": {
            "maximumLotsBidPerSupplier": 2147483647
        },
        "bidOpening": {
            "date": "2026-08-17T12:00:00Z"
        },
        "contractTerms": {
            "hasElectronicPayment": true,
            "electronicInvoicingPolicy": "allowed"
        },
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "selectionCriteria": {
            "criteria": [
                {
                    "type": "suitability",
                    "description": "Further clarification regarding the following SPD Question: [4A2A] For service contracts: authorisation of a particular organisation needed Is it a requirement in the bidder's country of establishment to hold an authorisation of a particular organisation in order to be able to perform the service in question? Lots 1-3: This should include any authorisation from Environmental Health related to Food Handling / Safety. Lot 4: This should include any authorisation from the Council related to holding Personal Licenses."
                }
            ]
        },
        "submissionTerms": {
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ],
            "bidValidityPeriod": {
                "durationInDays": 120
            }
        },
        "techniques": {
            "hasFrameworkAgreement": true
        },
        "classification": {
            "id": "55520000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
        },
        "hasRecurrence": true,
        "recurrence": {
            "description": "6 months prior to the framework expiry."
        },
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "32014L0024",
            "scheme": "CELEX"
        }
    },
    "language": "EN",
    "description": "NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=837122. The buyer has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via the Postbox facility. A user guide is available at http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/sitehelp/help_guides.aspx. Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems. Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/ A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows: Please see Appendix 6: Community Benefits Guidance Document (SC Ref:837122) Download the copy of the online SPD document here (to be completed online through postbox submission): https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/ESPD/ESPD_Download.aspx?id=837122",
    "links": [
        {
            "rel": "canonical",
            "href": "https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000837122"
        }
    ],
    "noticetype": "OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice"
}