ProcuraAxisBeta
Sign inCreate Free Account
Home / Opportunities / Opportunity
PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITY

Water Coolers and Associated Items

the Education Authority · Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

Tender information last checkedLast checked 29 Sept 2026, 23:42.

Opportunity overview

CAT-25-008 Water Coolers and Associated Items The Contract is divided into two Lots as follows: • Lot 1 Bottle Fed Water Coolers and Associated Items and; • Lot 2 Mains Fed Water Coolers and Associated Items. This Contract is established by the Education Authority ("EA") and is open to the EA, including NI educational bodies as follows, who at some point, during the life of the Contract may wish to utilise the agreement and should have access at any point, with the permission of EA. This Contract is not intended to replace any current agreements that participating or non-participating institutions may already have in place. Department of Education - Schools Plus Primary and Post Primary schools under the control of the EA, Catholic Maintained Schools, Independent Schools in NI, Irish Medium Schools in NI, both Controlled and Voluntary Grammar Schools, Nursery School for NI (both controlled, and Catholic Maintained), school meals kitchens on-site at all of these schools, and Controlled Youth Centres. NICIE - School Finder Grant Controlled Integrated Education Schools in NI Independent Schools in NI Independent School in NI EA Teachers' and Educational Centres Council for the Curriculum, Examination and Assessment NI (CCEA) Controlled Schools Support Council (CSSC) Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) Pre-Schools and Nurseries included in the Pre-School Education Programme (PSEP) Due to the independent nature of the Schools within Northern Ireland there is no obligation for all schools to become party to the Contract if a value for money solution can be achieved through another Contract or arrangement. The EA reserves the right to move value between Lots as required, however, the overarching value will not exceed £330,000 (ex VAT) without modification in accordance with the requirements of the Procurement Act 2023. Furthermore, suppliers should note that, in accordance with Section 31 and /or Section 74 of the Procurement Act 2023, the Buyer reserves the right to modify the Contract without a new procurement process in certain circumstances. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, Suppliers should note that the true value of the Contract may differ from the values outlined above for the following reasons: •Increase/decrease in the number of schools and number of pupils. •Increase/decrease in the demand to use the Contract •General increases/decreases in all costs such as equipment, insurances, labour rates etc. •Unforeseen/unplanned events (for e.g., new schools which are an amalgamation of existing schools that were previously identified by EA as being eligible to utilise thisContract). •Increase/decrease in EA funding.

Awarded to

Amounts belong to published awards or contracts. Where several suppliers share one value, it is labelled as shared and is not a supplier-specific allocation.

Culligan Water (Ireland) Limited

No match
Published award value
£290k
Awarded
31 Oct 2025
Award ID
1
Status
active
Identifier
GB-PPON PMHC-8491-JZCJ
Location
Dublin, IE, D12 KFP9, Ireland

IRISH FOOD & BEVERAGES LTD

Matched by number
Shared published award value
£40k
Awarded
31 Oct 2025
Suppliers
One of 2 awarded suppliers
Award ID
2
Status
active
Identifier
GB-COH NI620217
Location
Coalisland, UKN0B, BT71 4LP, United Kingdom

Irish Food and Beverages

Match pending…
Shared published award value
£40k
Awarded
31 Oct 2025
Suppliers
One of 2 awarded suppliers
Award ID
2
Status
active
Identifier
GB-PPON PVQR-4971-RGJN
Location
Pomeroy, UKN0B, BT70 2RX, United Kingdom

Classification

  • CPV15981000 — Mineral water
  • CPV15981100 — Still mineral water
  • CPV31141000 — Water coolers
  • CPV41110000 — Drinking water

Lots

  • Lot 1 - Bottle Fed Water Coolers and Associated Items£290k
  • Lot 2 - Mains Fed Water Coolers and Associated Items£40k

Documents and notices

Published notice details

Additional information from the published procurement release. Fields appear only when supplied by the source; check the original notice and tender documents before acting.

Scope, procedure and submissions

Id
CAT-25-008
Status
complete
Published risks
This Contract will be divided into 2 Lots with one Supplier appointed to each Lot. Suppliers may bid for and be appointed to one or both Lots. Lot 1 - Bottle Fed Water Coolers and Associated Items Lot 2 - Mains Fed Water Coolers and Associated Items The estimated value of the Contract over the whole (4 year) period is within the range of £280,000 - £330,000 (ex VAT) and £336,000 - £396,000 with VAT. A breakdown per Lot as: Lot 1 - Bottle Fed Water Coolers and Associated Items = £250,000 - £290,000 (ex VAT) Lot 2 - Mains Fed Water Coolers and Associated Items = £30,000 - £40,000 (ex VAT) The Contract Value has been estimated based on the four year duration. The lower range value for Lot 1 is based on the most recent annual spend under the former contract, with the application of indexation over the next four years but also includes additional 20% value for contingency purposes within the Contract for capital enhancement, which may or may not occur, and additional levels of contingency for other unplanned works that may be required over the lifetime of the Contract. This upper limit also includes the provision for Voluntary Grammar schools and other Public Bodies who may avail of this contract. The upper range value for Lot 1 the most recent annual spend under the former contract and indexation over the next four years but also includes a 40% additional value for contingency purposes within the Contract for capital enhancement, which may or may not occur, and additional levels of contingency for other unplanned works that may be required over the lifetime of the Contract. This upper limit also includes the provision for Voluntary Grammar schools and other Public Bodies who may avail of this contract. The lower range value for Lot 2 is an estimated value as this is a new requirement with usage unknown. This includes the application of indexation over the next four years but also includes additional 20% value for contingency purposes within the Contract for capital enhancement, which may or may not occur, and additional levels of contingency for other unplanned works that may be required over the lifetime of the Contract. This upper limit also includes the provision for Voluntary Grammar schools and other Public Bodies who may avail of this contract. The upper range value for Lot 2 is an estimated value as this is a new requirement with usage unknown. This includes the application of indexation over the next four years but also includes additional 40% value for contingency purposes within the Contract for capital enhancement, which may or may not occur, and additional levels of contingency for other unplanned works that may be required over the lifetime of the Contract. This upper limit also includes the provision for Voluntary Grammar schools and other Public Bodies who may avail of this contract. The EA reserves the right to move value between the Lots as required, however, the overarching value will not exceed £330,000 (ex VAT) or £396,000 (inc. VAT). EA do reserve the right to modify the contract for any of the reasons noted in the Specification Schedule, Section 21 Additional Services, and so the actual value of the contract/s may be greater than noted above. There is no guarantee that any orders will be placed in any quantity during the period of the Contract.
Has Recurrence
Yes
Above Threshold
Yes
Procurement Method
open
Main Procurement Category
goods
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure

Covered By

GPA

Amendments

Entry 1
Id
049435-2025
Description
This notice has been modified to change the Tender Submission Deadline - the deadline for submissions is now 15:00 on Friday 12 September 2025. No other changes have been made.

Legal basis

Id
2023/54
Scheme
UKPGA

Recurrence

Dates

Entry 1
Starts
1 Jun 2029, 23:59

Expected award period

Ends
29 Sept 2025, 23:59

Tender Period

Ends
12 Sept 2025, 15:00

Contract terms

Financial Terms
The Supplier must ensure that the Buyer has issued a Purchase order number in advance of any goods being delivered. Payments will only be made on receipt of an invoice quoting the relevant purchase order number. The Supplier must ensure that purchase orders received are accurate in that they state the correct contract prices, or return for correction prior to the order being fulfilled, as discrepancies could result in delays to invoice payments where purchase orders and invoices do not match. Invoices must be in pounds Sterling (GBP). Suppliers must submit invoices directly to the address as specified on the order. Supplier must submit a group statement for outstanding invoices on a monthly basis. The supplier may liaise with EA Accounts Payable to identify the information required on the statement. The Supplier must replace or make good at their own expense any items that are or become defective as a result of poor design, materials or service. Payment shall be made through the Bankers Automated Clearing System. The Supplier will be required to provide bank account details to the Buyer to facilitate this method of payment. The Buyer reserves the right to withhold payment against any invoice which is not submitted in accordance with the Contract, or which covers or purports to relate to goods which have not been provided in accordance with the Contract and shall forthwith notify the supplier accordingly in writing. During the Term the Buyer reserves the right to review ordering and/or invoicing procedures with the Supplier. For an invoice to be considered valid it must be legible, from which a clear scanned image can be produced, and clearly show the following information: • Purchase Order number (only one purchase order per invoice) • Invoice number • Invoice date / tax point • Supplier name, address, postcode and VAT registration number • Remittance name and address where this is different to above • Goods details which match the PO details, including quantity billed, item description, unit of measure, unit price and total value (only goods delivered should be on an invoice) All invoices must be made payable to the Supplier and not to any nominated sub-contractor(s).

Enquiry period

Ends
26 Aug 2025, 23:59

Submission terms

Electronic Submission Policy
allowed

Languages

en

Lots and requirements

Entry 1
Id
1
Title
Lot 1 - Bottle Fed Water Coolers and Associated Items
Status
complete
Description
Lot 1 is for the supply and delivery of Bottle Fed Water Coolers and Associated Items.

Value

Amount
290,000
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
348,000

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Name
AC1 - Total Contract Price
Type
price

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
100
Weight
percentageExact

Contract period

Ends
30 Sept 2029, 23:59
Starts
1 Oct 2025, 00:00
Entry 2
Id
2
Title
Lot 2 - Mains Fed Water Coolers and Associated Items
Status
complete
Description
Lot 2 is for the supply and delivery of Mains Fed Water Coolers and Associated Items

Value

Amount
40,000
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
48,000

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Name
AC1 - Total Contract Price
Type
price

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
100
Weight
percentageExact

Contract period

Ends
30 Sept 2029, 23:59
Starts
1 Oct 2025, 00:00

Items and delivery

Item 1
Id
1
Related Lot
1

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
15981000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Mineral water
Entry 2
Id
15981100
Scheme
CPV
Description
Still mineral water
Entry 3
Id
41110000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Drinking water
Entry 4
Id
31141000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Water coolers
Item 2
Id
2
Related Lot
2

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
15981000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Mineral water
Entry 2
Id
15981100
Scheme
CPV
Description
Still mineral water
Entry 3
Id
41110000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Drinking water
Entry 4
Id
31141000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Water coolers

Published documents

Entry 1
Id
conflictOfInterest
Description
Not published
Document Type
conflictOfInterest
Entry 2
Id
048183-2025
Format
text/html
Notice Type
UK4
Description
Tender notice on Find a Tender
Document Type
tenderNotice
Published
12 Aug 2025, 16:49
Entry 3
Id
049435-2025
Format
text/html
Notice Type
UK4
Description
Tender notice on Find a Tender
Document Type
tenderNotice
Published
18 Aug 2025, 11:58

Planning and budget

Documents

Entry 1
Id
013229-2025
Format
text/html
Notice Type
UK2
Description
Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
Document Type
marketEngagementNotice
Published
4 Apr 2025, 17:02

Milestones

Entry 1
Id
engagement
Type
engagement
Status
scheduled
Due
16 Apr 2025, 23:59
Description
Interested participants should complete the questionnaire and upload by 3pm on 16 April 2025. Completed questionnaires must be returned via the eTendersNI Messaging function as an attachment or via email to catering.procure@eani.org.uk.

Buyer, suppliers and contacts

Organisation 1
Id
GB-PPON-PPHJ-6982-JPXY
Name
the Education Authority

Roles

buyer

Address

Region
UKN06
Country
GB
Locality
Belfast
Postal Code
BT1 2NQ
Country Name
United Kingdom
Street Address
40 Academy Street

Details

Classifications

Entry 1
Id
publicAuthorityCentralGovernment
Scheme
UK_CA_TYPE
Description
Public authority - central government
Entry 2
Id
GB-NIR
Scheme
UK_CA_DEVOLVED_REGULATIONS
Description
Northern Irish devolved regulations apply

Identifier

Id
PPHJ-6982-JPXY
Scheme
GB-PPON

Contact

Organisation 2
Id
GB-PPON-PMHC-8491-JZCJ
Name
Culligan Water (Ireland) Limited

Roles

supplier

Address

Region
IE
Country
IE
Locality
Dublin
Postal Code
D12 KFP9
Country Name
Ireland
Street Address
42 Merrywell Business Park, Ballymount

Details

Vcse
No
Scale
sme
Sheltered Workshop
No
Public Service Mission Organization
No

Identifier

Id
PMHC-8491-JZCJ
Scheme
GB-PPON

Contact

Organisation 3
Id
GB-COH-NI620217
Name
IRISH FOOD & BEVERAGES LTD

Roles

supplier

Address

Region
UKN0B
Country
GB
Locality
Coalisland
Postal Code
BT71 4LP
Country Name
United Kingdom
Street Address
2nd Floor The Cornmill

Details

Vcse
No
Scale
sme
Sheltered Workshop
No
Public Service Mission Organization
No

Identifier

Id
NI620217
Scheme
GB-COH

Contact

Additional Identifiers

Entry 1
Id
PVQR-4971-RGJN
Scheme
GB-PPON
Organisation 4
Id
GB-PPON-PVQR-4971-RGJN
Name
Irish Food and Beverages

Roles

supplier

Address

Region
UKN0B
Country
GB
Locality
Pomeroy
Postal Code
BT70 2RX
Country Name
United Kingdom
Street Address
38 Limehill Road

Details

Vcse
No
Scale
sme

Identifier

Id
PVQR-4971-RGJN
Scheme
GB-PPON

Contact

Award information

Award 1
Id
1
Date
31 Oct 2025, 00:00
Title
Lot 1 - Bottle Fed Water Coolers and Associated Items
Status
active
Above Threshold
Yes
Main Procurement Category
goods
Assessment Summaries Date Sent
6 Nov 2025, 00:00

Items

Item 1
Id
1
Related Lot
1

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKN
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
15981000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Mineral water
Entry 2
Id
31141000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Water coolers
Entry 3
Id
41110000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Drinking water

Value

Amount
290,000
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
348,000

Documents

Entry 1
Id
071730-2025
Format
text/html
Notice Type
UK6
Description
Contract award notice on Find a Tender
Document Type
awardNotice
Published
6 Nov 2025, 15:30

Suppliers

Supplier 1
Id
GB-PPON-PMHC-8491-JZCJ
Name
Culligan Water (Ireland) Limited

Milestones

Entry 1
Id
1
Type
futureSignatureDate
Status
scheduled
Due
18 Nov 2025, 23:59

Related lots

1

Contract period

Ends
30 Dec 2030, 23:59
Starts
1 Jan 2026, 00:00

Standstill Period

Ends
17 Nov 2025, 23:59
Award 2
Id
2
Date
31 Oct 2025, 00:00
Title
Lot 2 - Mains Fed Water Coolers and Associated Items
Status
active
Above Threshold
Yes
Main Procurement Category
goods
Assessment Summaries Date Sent
6 Nov 2025, 00:00

Items

Item 1
Id
2
Related Lot
2

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKN
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 2
Region
UKN
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
15981000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Mineral water
Entry 2
Id
31141000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Water coolers
Entry 3
Id
41110000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Drinking water

Value

Amount
40,000
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
48,000

Documents

Entry 1
Id
071730-2025
Format
text/html
Notice Type
UK6
Description
Contract award notice on Find a Tender
Document Type
awardNotice
Published
6 Nov 2025, 15:30

Suppliers

Supplier 1
Id
GB-COH-NI620217
Name
IRISH FOOD & BEVERAGES LTD
Supplier 2
Id
GB-PPON-PVQR-4971-RGJN
Name
Irish Food and Beverages

Milestones

Entry 1
Id
1
Type
futureSignatureDate
Status
scheduled
Due
18 Nov 2025, 23:59

Related lots

2

Contract period

Ends
30 Dec 2030, 23:59
Starts
1 Jan 2026, 00:00

Standstill Period

Ends
17 Nov 2025, 23:59

Contracts and changes

Entry 1
Id
1
Title
Lot 1 - Bottle Fed Water Coolers and Associated Items
Status
active
Award ID
1
Date Signed
20 Nov 2025, 00:00
Above Threshold
Yes

Value

Amount
290,000
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
348,000

Period

Ends
31 Dec 2029, 23:59
Starts
1 Jan 2026, 00:00

Documents

Entry 1
Id
080502-2025
Format
text/html
Notice Type
UK7
Description
Contract details notice on Find a Tender
Document Type
contractNotice
Published
8 Dec 2025, 11:17
Entry 2
Id
2
Title
Lot 2 - Mains Fed Water Coolers and Associated Items
Status
active
Award ID
2
Date Signed
20 Nov 2025, 00:00
Above Threshold
No

Value

Amount
40,000
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
48,000

Period

Ends
31 Dec 2029, 23:59
Starts
1 Jan 2026, 00:00

Documents

Entry 1
Id
080502-2025
Format
text/html
Notice Type
UK7
Description
Contract details notice on Find a Tender
Document Type
contractNotice
Published
8 Dec 2025, 11:17

Recorded locations

  • Buyer location · Belfast · UKN06 · BT1 2NQ · United Kingdom

Notice and amendment history

1 published notice version reviewed by ProcuraAxis.

1 VERSION
  1. ocds-h6vhtk-04fdaa-2025-12-08T11:17:41ZPreliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ·