Mater Ecclesiae Catholic Multi Academy Trust Framework Catering Tender 2026

The Mater Ecclesiae Catholic Multi Academy Trust (MECMAT) 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 17 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 April 2027 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 April 2027 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 mid-September 2026.

Tender response deadline is planned as Mid-October 2026 and it is envisaged that interviews will take place in mid-November 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).