2026/24 CFT for the Provision of Hospitality and Catering Services to Coláiste Chú Chulainn, The Marshes, Dundalk, Co Louth

AI-generated analysis of the documents. Check the official notice and any amendments for current submission details.

1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

The contract involves the provision of hospitality and catering services for Coláiste Chú Chulainn, which will serve approximately 900 students and 100 staff members. The contractor will be responsible for daily meal provision, including breakfast and lunch, during the academic term.

Key activities include:

• Meal Provision:

• Breakfast for approximately 870 students five days a week.

• Lunch for approximately 870 students five days a week.

• Menu Management:

• Development of a core menu cycle in advance for each month of operation.

• Ensuring a minimum of 10% of food sought to be certified organic in specified categories (Cereals, Fresh Beef, Lamb, Pork, Poultry, Fish, Vegetables, and Dairy Products).

• Operational Hours:

• Catering services to be provided from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM during the academic term, with reduced hours during breaks.

• Compliance and Standards:

• Adherence to food hygiene and health and safety standards.

• Regular inspections by the Board to ensure compliance with hygiene standards.

• Reporting and Meetings:

• Regular meetings with the Board to assess performance and address any issues.

• Equipment Maintenance:

• Responsibility for the maintenance and repair of all kitchen equipment and utensils.

The contractor must ensure that all services are delivered efficiently and in a manner that maintains the reputation of the institution.

3. Background & buyer context

This tender is being procured to establish a catering service for Coláiste Chú Chulainn, which is set to open on 27 August 2026. The initiative aligns with the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board's commitment to providing quality educational services and facilities. The contract is part of a broader strategy to enhance student welfare and nutrition within the educational environment. There is no incumbent service provider mentioned in the documentation.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €250,000 for each of the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13,000,000 per claim.
• Public Liability: €6,500,000 per claim.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach, balancing quality and price.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided template, with a maximum of 20 pages.
• CVs: For key personnel, limited to 2 pages each.
• Pricing schedule: Format as per the provided template.
• Case studies: Minimum of 2, demonstrating relevant experience, with project values between €100,000 and €500,000.
• Declarations: Including ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest statements.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via eTenders, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: 24 months, with one possible extension of 24 months.
• Payment terms: Invoices to be paid within 30 days of receipt.
• Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Specific performance metrics to be agreed upon.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified.
• Termination clauses: The Board may terminate the agreement with three months' notice.
• IP ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not permitted without prior written consent from the Board.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €250,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• The lack of specified past experience requirements could lead to a wide range of bidders, potentially affecting quality.
• The absence of detailed SLAs may lead to ambiguity in performance expectations.
• The contract's reliance on compliance with health and safety standards necessitates rigorous oversight, which may be challenging for new entrants.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have:

• Experience in providing catering services, particularly in educational settings.
• The capacity to manage a contract with a value of €1,500,000 over its term.
• Relevant insurance coverage as specified.
• The ability to comply with food hygiene and health standards.

Consortium or sub-contracting arrangements are not permitted. Bid preparation may require several days of effort, including document compilation and site visits. The presence of a potential incumbent or previous service provider may influence the competitive landscape.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: 2026 24 CFT for the Provision of Hospitality and Catering Services to Coláiste Chú Chulainn
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: Not specified
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 3: Tenderer’s Statement
• Appendix 5: Services Contract
• Schedule B: Services Specification