Transport of School Meals DPS
Introduction
The Transport of School Meals Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) is a procurement initiative established by the Education Authority (EA) in the UK. This DPS is designed to streamline the hiring of services required for the transportation of school meals. It is a flexible procurement route that will remain operational until 30th June 2028. Managed by the EA office in Armagh, this system enables a structured and efficient process for ensuring the delivery of freshly cooked meals from Production Kitchens to various Serving Centres across the educational institutions under the EA's purview.
Context & Use Case
The primary objective of this DPS is to facilitate the efficient transportation of school meals, ensuring that freshly cooked meals are delivered promptly and safely. The meals are packed in special containers that maintain their quality during transit. Importantly, the transportation service does not involve direct handling of the food by operators, thus adhering to hygiene and safety standards. After delivery, the service also encompasses the collection and return of empty containers and any food waste back to the Production Kitchens. This process is crucial for maintaining the operational efficiency of school meal services and ensuring that all participating educational institutions can provide nutritious meals to students without interruption.
Scope of Services
The DPS covers a range of services essential for the transportation of school meals, including but not limited to: 1. Collection of freshly cooked meals from designated Production Kitchens. 2. Delivery of these meals to various Serving Centres. 3. Use of special containers designed to maintain food quality during transit. 4. Non-contact handling procedures to comply with hygiene standards. 5. Return of empty containers and collection of food waste back to the Production Kitchens.
Who Can Apply
The Transport of School Meals DPS is open to a variety of contractors who have the capability and resources to provide transport services for school meals. Suitable applicants might include logistics companies, specialised transport providers, or any organisation with experience in handling food-related logistics. As a DPS, it offers flexibility in that suppliers can apply to join at any time during its lifespan, providing opportunities for both new entrants and established providers to participate in the procurement process.
Buyer Benefits
For public sector buyers, the Transport of School Meals DPS offers several advantages. It ensures compliance with procurement regulations while providing a mechanism to quickly and efficiently meet the school meal transport needs. The competitive environment fostered by the DPS allows for a high level of service quality, as suppliers vie to offer the best solutions. Moreover, the streamlined process aids in reducing the time to market for these essential services, thereby supporting the uninterrupted delivery of school meals.
Lots
Not applicable
Next Steps
Suppliers interested in joining the Transport of School Meals DPS should carefully review the requirements outlined by the Education Authority. It is advisable to contact the EA directly via transport.procure@eani.org.uk for detailed information on application procedures and to stay informed about upcoming information sessions in locations such as Armagh, Belfast, Derry, and Ballymena.
How Biddable Can Help
Biddable is here to assist suppliers by providing valuable insights into procurement opportunities such as the Transport of School Meals DPS. We support suppliers in discovering relevant frameworks and DPS arrangements, preparing for application processes, and maintaining visibility on upcoming tenders and procurement opportunities. Our aim is to help suppliers navigate the public sector procurement landscape with confidence and clarity.