SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
Crucible Lusaka seeks a suitably experienced catering partner to provide full catering services and manage the School’s in-house kitchen for approximately 60 boarding students, together with staff catering requirements, the final number of which will be confirmed during the procurement process.
The service will operate during school term time, including weekends, as all students are resident on campus. Catering services will not be required during school holidays. The anticipated commencement date is within the next few weeks and will be confirmed with the successful provider.
The successful provider will be responsible for the full delivery of the catering service, including:
- Menu planning, food procurement, preparation, cooking and meal service;
- Provision of three meals and two snacks per day for students;
- Catering provision for staff, as required;
- Kitchen staffing, supervision, training and management;
- Kitchen cleaning, hygiene and day-to-day operational management;
- Maintenance and appropriate use of kitchen equipment; and
- Compliance with all applicable food-safety, health, employment, insurance and statutory requirements.
The School will provide a working, equipped kitchen at its Longacres, Lusaka campus, including ovens, refrigerators, serving equipment, plates and cutlery. Shortlisted suppliers will be invited to inspect the facilities as part of the selection process.
Suppliers should demonstrate the ability to provide nutritious, balanced and varied meals appropriate for a residential school environment. They must also be able to accommodate dietary, allergy, religious and other individual food requirements in line with good professional practice and applicable standards.
INFORMATION TO INCLUDE IN YOUR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Applicants are encouraged to include:
- An overview of their proposed approach to delivering the service;
- Indicative menus or examples of comparable school menus;
- A proposed staffing structure;
- A brief mobilisation plan for commencing the service; and
- Indicative pricing, including estimated cost per meal and estimated total monthly cost.
Please state clearly whether figures include VAT.
These items are desirable but are not mandatory at the Expression of Interest stage. Further information may be requested from shortlisted applicants.
EVALUATION AND NEXT STEPS
Applications will be assessed on, among other factors, statutory compliance, relevant experience, references, demonstrated food quality and safety standards, staffing and operational capacity, proposed approach, local sourcing where applicable, and value for money.
Shortlisted suppliers will be invited to participate in a site visit, food tasting and one-to-one interview. Crucible Lusaka may subsequently invite selected suppliers to participate in a formal tender process.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This invitation to register as a supplier does not constitute an offer of business. Registered suppliers shall, at the discretion of management, be invited to bid for specific tenders that may be floated during the year.
All interested vendors and suppliers must declare any family relationship with a Crucible Lusaka student, staff or Board member in their submission.
Applicants should submit the following:
- A valid 2026 Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Tax Clearance Certificate.
- All relevant statutory registrations; National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA), National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA), Worker’s Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB), etc.
- Proof of having been in business for longer than three years, including a valid PACRA Certificate of Incorporation.
- A summary of traceable references for similar works undertaken, a list of past reputable clients, and a business profile including relevant contact details.
- Where possible, registration with a relevant professional body or industry association.
- Where possible, estimated price lists and standard service fees for the products or services offered.
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS
All interested candidates and entities should submit their applications to:
procurement@cruciblelusaka.org
(cc accounts@cruciblelusaka.org)
Please clearly state ‘Eol: catering services’ in the email subject line.
Submission deadline: Tuesday, 15 September at 08:00hrs CAT.
Only applications that meet the stated requirements will be considered.
cruciblelusaka.org
