2026-2027 RFP - School Nutrition Program Management Services

D.A.T.E. Academy Charter School is seeking a qualified Food Service Management Company to manage its School Nutrition Program for the 2026-2027 school year under a fixed-meal rate contract, with services encompassing menu planning, meal preparation, food procurement, staffing, and full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. The contract, issued as solicitation PE-55259-NONST-2026-000000001, will commence on July 1, 2026, and terminate on June 30, 2027, with an option to renew for up to four additional one-year terms and a possible three-month extension under mutual agreement. As a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school, all meals are provided at no charge to students, and the vendor must operate within a budget that includes $25,000 in direct SFA expenses and approximately $45,000 in USDA commodity foods, the logistics of which are included in the FSMC’s pricing. The vendor is required to submit detailed 21-day menu cycles by the 20th of each month, production records weekly, and monthly participation and operating statements by the 10th of the following month, while ensuring all meals meet USDA and Georgia Department of Education standards outlined in 7 CFR 210.16, 210.21, 250 Sub D, and 2 CFR 200.318-326. Meal packaging must adhere to strict requirements, including airtight, non-toxic containers capable of withstanding 350°F for hot meals, white or brown packaging for cold meals, and mandatory labeling with processor information, meal type, production date, and quantity per carton; meals must also be delivered with all necessary serving items, including condiments, napkins, straws, and utensils. The vendor must be financially and operationally responsible, possess the requisite experience and resources, and pass pass/fail gates for responsiveness and responsibility before being considered for award, which will be based on a 100-point evaluation system with cost and financial proposal carrying the highest weight at 25 points, followed by service capability at 15 points and experience and references at 10 points, with residual weight to be determined from the full RFP. All proposals must