DIETARY SERVICE FOR EASTERN SHORE HOSPITAL CENTER

The Maryland Department of Health is soliciting a fixed-price contract for dietary and food services at the Eastern Shore Hospital Center, a 76-bed psychiatric facility in Cambridge, Maryland. The selected contractor will operate the Dietetic Department, providing individualized regular and therapeutic diet plans and nutritional counseling. Key deliverables include the implementation of a Diet Manual and an Emergency Menu Plan to ensure meal availability during natural disasters. Performance must adhere to strict healthcare and safety standards, including Joint Commission accreditation, HIPAA, CMS Conditions of Participation, and HACCP food safety protocols. The contract includes an initial term with the agency's option for two successive one-year renewals. Bidders must meet a 10 percent Minority Business Enterprise participation goal and submit a mandatory MBE Utilization and Fair Solicitation Affidavit to be considered responsive. Additionally, contractors must comply with the Maryland Living Wage Law and adhere to rigorous security requirements, including CJIS criminal background checks for personnel and a security plan based on the NIST cybersecurity framework. Payment is processed via electronic funds transfer within 30 days of receiving a proper invoice, with final payment contingent upon tax certification from the State Comptroller.