26-12 IFB Contract for Purchased Meals CACFP

BakerRipley is soliciting bids for a requirements contract to provide meals under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to children ages 1–5 in Fort Bend County, Texas, with an estimated daily service of 1,239 meals consisting of breakfast, lunch, and a PM snack, served five days a week. The contract, identified as RFP 26-12, is an Invitation for Bid (IFB) with a bid submission deadline of July 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CST, and the solicitation was posted on June 22, 2026. The meals must comply with USDA nutritional standards outlined in 7 CFR Part 226 and follow the cycle menu specified in Schedule B, with all meals packaged under strict health and safety guidelines requiring air-tight, non-toxic containers capable of withstanding 400°F for hot meals and plastic or paper materials for cold meals. Non-food items including reinforced paper plates, straws, napkins, and single-service ware must accompany each delivery. Each carton must be clearly labeled with the processor’s name and address, item identity, meal type, production date, and quantity per carton. The contract is structured as a requirements contract with an initial term of up to 12 months and options to renew annually for up to four additional years. The contractor must have adequate facilities certified under state and local health, safety, and sanitation standards, demonstrated financial capability, and prior experience in similar food service operations. Bidders must pass strict pass/fail gates for financial capability, facility adequacy, and experience; failure to meet any results in disqualification, and overly responsive bids are automatically rejected. Awards will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with price and other factors such as transportation and life cycle costs considered. The contractor is prohibited from subcontracting the total meal or meal assembly and must maintain detailed records including delivery tickets, invoices, and production logs for audit purposes, available for inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), USDA, and GAO for three years after final payment. Monthly invoicing is required, must be itemized by site and signed by the site representative, and payments are made at the contracted unit price. The contractor must also comply with federal labor standards including the Davis-Bacon Act, maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including $1 million in general and auto liability, $5 million in umbrella coverage, and