The Chase School is a secondary academy based in Malvern, Worcestershire. The school is a co-educational Secondary School with sixth form provision for pupils aged 11 to 18 and presently has just over 1300 pupils. The school works across a split site, with the main kitchen being situated on the smaller site. The Chase facilities also includes a 6th form/staff café.
The Background
The Chase School appointed Minerva to run the process on their behalf following their decision to go out to tender for their Catering Services contract. Minerva was approached by The Chase following a previous successfully run tender.
The contract was due to commence in December 2023 with a contract length of three years and two optional extensions of 12 months each.
The total contract value for The Chase School’s catering services exceeded the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 threshold and therefore required a procurement process which was in full compliance with the PCR2015.
In agreement with The Chase School a ‘Restricted Tender’ procedure was chosen which included two stages. The initial Selection Questionnaire (SQ) stage followed by a second Invitation to Tender (ITT) stage.
The school was keen to increase take up of meals and continue the good work already in place for catering. The intention is to work closely with the successful contractor in developing and continuously improving the service and partnership during the period of the contract and by introducing innovative and creative ideas.
The school also allow their 6th form students to be utilised on zero hours contracts to support their opportunities for work experience.
Results
In total nine catering contractors submitted an SQ response and of the five shortlisted to the ITT stage four bidders submitted a complete bid. From those four, three suppliers were invited to a presentation day with the school representatives. The incumbent Aspens Services Limited was awarded following the submission of the most advantageous bid, with the highest scoring ITT submission overall and demonstrating clear and concise responses with ample examples to fulfil the requirements of the schools’ catering services.
Customer Feedback
From start to finish, the team at Minerva were efficient, knowledgeable, and supportive. With their support, the project was a breeze!
Brian Howell, School Business Manager, The Chase School
