Aspire Academy Trust - Provision of Grounds Maintenance Services

Aspire Academy Trust is soliciting tenders for grounds maintenance services across its sites in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, divided into two lots: Lot 1 - Atlantic (N) and Lot 2 - Peninsular (S). Each lot has an estimated value of 625,000 GBP excluding VAT. The initial contract terms for Lot 1 run from February 15, 2027, to February 14, 2030, and for Lot 2 from April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2030, with both offering potential extensions of two additional years in 12-month intervals. The selected contractor must provide qualified horticultural personnel and ensure service delivery aligns with horticultural best practices and the specific requirements detailed in the Specification of Requirement. The award will be based on a weighted evaluation consisting of 60 percent quality and 40 percent price. Quality is assessed across proposed solutions, contract management, service quality monitoring, staff delivery, mobilization, and sustainability. To qualify, tenderers must pass a financial appraisal with no outstanding bankruptcies or CCJs and a gearing ratio of approximately 2:1, as well as commit to specific insurance levels: 5 million GBP for Employer’s and Public Liability, and 1 million GBP for Professional Indemnity and Product Liability. Administrative requirements include monthly invoicing in arrears itemized by school with accompanying works reports, and prior written authorization for any additional works. Tenders must be submitted electronically by December 16, 2026.