The purpose of this planned procurement is to establish a closed Framework for the supply and distribution of Fresh Fruit & Vegetables and Associated Products to members and clients of TUCO Ltd. This procurement will follow an Open Procedure under Procurement Act 2023 regulations. The duration of this closed Framework is planned to be a maximum of 4 years in the format of a 2 year with one plus one year extensions. We have an estimated start date of 3rd October 2026 to 2nd October 2028 with an optional 2 year extension in 1 plus 1 year extensions to 2nd October 2030. The framework agreement which will cover supply to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be split into 13 geographic lots to encourage SMEs to participate. The aim is to award multiple suppliers across the 13 lots: • Lot 1 London • Lot 2 North West • Lot 3 North East • Lot 4 Yorkshire & Humber • Lot 5 West Midlands • Lot 6 East Midlands • Lot 7 South East • Lot 8 South West • Lot 9 East • Lot 10 North Wales • Lot 11 South Wales • Lot 12 Scotland • Lot 13 Northern Ireland Suppliers are not restricted to the number of lots they can apply for. The national annual spend through the Framework is estimated to be £11.25m to a maximum £45,000,000.00 over the full 4 years. Lot specific values are not known. The value nationally is shared between all geographic lots. The scope of products to be covered within the framework are as follows: Whole Fruit, Whole Vegetables, Prepared Fruit, Prepared Vegetables, Fresh Salad, Dairy Products & Bread Products.

Procurement Act 2023

Open procedure

Prices are determined by submitting prices against a product schedule (shopping basket of commonly purchased goods). Bidders enter pricing against individual weighted line items. The lowest price gains the highest markets per line. The full shopping basket submission provides a total weighted score for the price element of a bid. The selection process for the award of a framework call off would be one of three mechanisms: 1) Direct Appointment - (Award without re-opening competition) 2) Combination Ranked Procedure 3) Appointment following Mini-Competition. Highest scoring supplier of price and quality scores combined would normally be awarded a contract where there has been a competition.