Transport of School Meals DPS
Framework Description
The Education Authority's Transport of School Meals DPS is a Dynamic Purchasing System for hiring transport to carry freshly cooked school meals from production kitchens to serving centres. It is managed by the EA's office in Armagh and remains in place until 30 June 2028. As a DPS, it accepts new contractors throughout its life, although admission does not guarantee any work.
Context & Use Case
The EA uses the DPS to award individual delivery runs. Meals are packed in special containers, so drivers do not handle food directly, and after delivery the contractor collects empty containers and food waste and returns them to the production kitchen. Contractors admitted to the DPS bid for specific runs as requirements arise.
Scope of Services
Collection of freshly cooked meals from production kitchens Delivery to serving centres Transport of meals in special containers, with no direct food handling Return of empty containers to production kitchens Collection and return of food waste
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
Transport operators, logistics firms and local hauliers with suitable vehicles can apply to join at any time before 30 June 2028. It suits operators able to run reliable timed deliveries on school days, including small local firms close to production kitchens.
Buyer Benefits
School lunches have fixed serving times, so the EA needs contractors who deliver on time every day. A DPS gives it a growing pool of vetted operators to cover each route, and competing individual runs helps keep costs down while making sure cover is available if a contractor drops out.
Next Steps
Read the DPS notice on Find a Tender (https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017774-2024) for how to apply, and email the EA at transport.procure@eani.org.uk to hear about its supplier information sessions in Armagh, Belfast, Derry and Ballymena. Prepare evidence of vehicle suitability, insurance and reliability, then apply. Once admitted, respond to each run you can serve before 30 June 2028.
How Athena Can Help
The school meals DPS is open, so Athena can help you join it now. Our DPS registration and paperwork help prepares the application, insurance and compliance evidence and checks it before submission.
Once admitted, our route bid pricing and writing helps you respond to individual runs with competitive, sustainable prices, and our advice for first-time bidders helps smaller transport operators understand the process and avoid common mistakes that cost points.
