EMS LINQ-Software Maint/Support-CNP

The Alabama State Department of Education, Child Nutrition Programs, is soliciting software maintenance and support for EMS LINQ applications used to administer multiple USDA food and nutrition programs, including CACFP, CSFP, NSLP, SBP, SFSP, TEFAP, and the Statewide Procurement Program. This sole source contract covers ongoing operations for software updates, security patches, hosting services, annual subscriptions, and regulatory updates to ensure uninterrupted service for Local Educational Agencies. The scope includes specific tools such as Cartwheel Meal Counter, LINQ FDP, and the SNP, SFSP, and CACFP Core Modules, as well as necessary enhancements. The contract is effective from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, with the possibility of annual renewals for up to five years or until a total contract cost of 25,000 dollars is reached. Price escalations are capped at 5 percent of the annual contract cost and cannot exceed the 25,000 dollar total ceiling. Suppliers must be registered in Alabama Buys and comply with state requirements, including E-Verify enrollment and registration with the Alabama Secretary of State for out-of-state entities. The State of Alabama maintains the right to cancel for convenience and will not provide indemnification to the supplier.