The Supply and Delivery of Canteen Catering Services in Nenagh College, Nenagh, Co Tipperary

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

1. At a glance

Buyer Title CPV / category Estimated value Per-year Procedure type Lots Location Contract length Submission deadline Go-live / start |-------|-------|----------------|------------------|----------|----------------|------|----------|------------------|---------------------|------------------| Tipperary Education and Training Board_1284 The Supply and Delivery of Canteen Catering Services in Nenagh College, Nenagh, Co Tipperary Catering & Food Services €200,000 not stated Open Procedure not stated Nenagh, Co Tipperary 2 years, with 2 x 12-month extensions 2026-05-18T11:00:00+00:00 31st August 2026

2. Scope of Work

The contract involves the provision of canteen catering services at Nenagh College, which serves approximately 350 second-level students and 40 PLC students. The successful contractor will be responsible for delivering a nutritious and balanced catering service throughout the academic year, specifically over 33 weeks. Key activities include:

• Daily Operations:

• Canteen open for morning break five days a week.

• Canteen open for lunch four days a week.

• Provision of snacks during evening study sessions.

• Menu Development:

• Creation of varied, seasonal menus that cater to dietary restrictions and promote healthy eating.

• Inclusion of locally sourced and sustainable food options.

• Service Management:

• Staffing, management, and operation of the food service.

• Daily clean-up of cooking and dining areas.

• Waste removal and disposal.

• Compliance and Standards:

• Adherence to HSE food safety and hygiene regulations.

• Regular engagement with the local Environmental Health Officer to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

• Facility Management:

• Upgrading existing kitchen facilities to meet operational standards.

• Maintenance of equipment and compliance with Portable Appliances Testing (PAT) requirements.

The contractor must also ensure that the service does not disrupt the school's operations and that all food served meets the Department of Health's nutrition standards for school meals.

3. Background & buyer context

This tender is being issued by Tipperary Education and Training Board (ETB) in response to the need for a comprehensive catering service at Nenagh College. The ETB is responsible for managing educational services in Tipperary and aims to enhance the quality of food provided to students. The contract aligns with the ETB's commitment to promoting healthy eating and supporting student welfare. The procurement process follows the amalgamation of North and South Tipperary Vocational Education Committees into a single ETB, reflecting a strategic drive to improve educational services in the region.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €50,000 for the last three years.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13m
• Public Liability: €6.5m
• Product Liability (supplies only): €6.5m
• Certifications: Compliance with HACCP and other relevant food safety standards.
• Past experience: Evidence of at least two comparable contracts delivered in the last five years.
• Personnel: Access to qualified staff, including chefs and catering assistants, with relevant experience.
• Geographic 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: A detailed response document outlining the proposed service (template provided).
• CVs: Resumes of key personnel (maximum 2 pages each).
• Pricing schedule: Completed pricing template.
• Case studies: Evidence of two comparable projects, including value and scope.
• Declarations: ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Attendance confirmation for the site visit on 8th May 2026 at 9:30 AM.
• Submission portal: All documents must be submitted via the eTenders platform, adhering to specified format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract will be for an initial term of two years, with the possibility of two 12-month extensions based on performance. Key terms include:

• Payment terms: Fixed utility charge of €150 per week, subject to annual review.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Quality of service, food quality, and compliance with health and safety regulations will be monitored.
• Termination clauses: Either party may terminate the contract with three months' written notice. Immediate termination is possible for serious breaches.
• IP ownership: All permanent fixtures installed by the contractor will become the property of Tipperary ETB upon contract completion.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential concerns for bidders include:

• The turnover requirement of €50,000 may limit participation from smaller firms.
• The fixed utility charge could impact profitability, especially if utility costs rise.
• The requirement for compliance with extensive health and safety regulations may pose a challenge for less experienced bidders.
• The contract's reliance on the successful bidder's ability to upgrade kitchen facilities may present risks if not adequately addressed.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in school catering or similar food service operations. Viable bidders should have:

• A proven track record in delivering comparable catering services.
• The capacity to manage staffing and operational requirements independently.
• The ability to comply with health and safety regulations and food safety standards.

Consortium or sub-contracting arrangements are not explicitly mentioned, suggesting that bidders should be prepared to deliver the service independently. Preparation for the bid may require several days of effort, including site visits and documentation preparation. The presence of a fixed utility charge and the requirement for a minimum turnover may indicate a competitive environment, particularly if incumbents are involved.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Invitation to Tender for Canteen Catering Services in Nenagh College.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: [email protected]
• Important attachments: Appendix B2 — Suitability Assessment, Mandatory Requirements Schedule.