Published date: 3 November 2025

Open opportunity - This means that the contract is currently active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to fulfil the contract.


Closing: 11 September 2026, 12pm

Contract summary

Industry

  • Recreational, cultural and sporting services - 92000000

Location of contract

South East

Value of contract

£4,000,000

Procurement reference

BIP990723370

Published date

3 November 2025

Closing date

11 September 2026

Closing time

12pm

Contract start date

1 January 2027

Contract end date

1 June 2028

Contract type

Service contract

Procedure type

Restricted procedure

A two-stage procedure, where the first stage is used to select suppliers, who are then invited to bid in the second stage.

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

Yes

Description

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme in Kent focuses on supporting children's physical health and wellbeing by providing nutritious meals and engaging activities during school holidays. Families with children aged four to sixteen who are eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals (FSM) can access these free opportunities during the Easter, summer, and Christmas breaks.

This initiative is funded by the Department for Education (DfE), with grant conditions outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Kent County Council (KCC).

The programme aims to address the challenges some families face during school holidays, such as increased food and childcare costs and reduced household income, which can make it difficult to provide adequate meals and activities for children.

HAF offers a variety of enriching activities designed to keep children active and socially engaged during the holidays. Participating families also benefit from resources and support to help improve their understanding of nutrition and food budgeting.

The opportunity to apply for this contract was first made available in December 2024. As this is a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), bidders may submit applications at any time. However, submissions are reviewed in Rounds, as detailed in the Invitation to Tender.

For Round 4, please use the links and access codes provided for the Lots you wish to apply for. If you intend to bid for multiple Lots, you must submit a separate application for each. For example, if you wish to be considered for Lot 1 and Lot 2, you must submit all required documentation under Lot 1 and again under Lot 2. While the documentation required is the same for each Lot, it must be submitted separately to ensure your application is considered.

Links & Access Codes (at end of link):
Lot 1 - https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/respond/R46MD864HY
Lot 2 - https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/respond/3UC4VA5FY3
Lot 3 - https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/respond/22995AWTMW
Lot 4 - https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/respond/GS375C4WW4

More information

Links

How to apply

Follow the instructions given in the description or the more information section.

About the buyer

Address

County Hall
Maidstone
ME14 1XQ
UK

Telephone

+443000414141

Email

jordan.gurr@kent.gov.uk