Food Safety Sanitation

Walton County, et al.
Request for Proposal for Food Safety and Sanitation Services
Release Date: June 1, 2026
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this request for proposal (RFP) is to secure a single provider which can meet federal and state
accountability requirements as well as provide excellent technical support and customer service when providing food
safety and sanitation services. Walton County School Nutrition is releasing this RFP on behalf of: Commerce City, Fannin
County, Jackson County, Oconee County, Social Circle City, and Walton County; hereinafter referred to as the SNPs. The
RFP administrator will be Susan E. Elsner, Director of School Nutrition, Walton County Schools.
Deadline for written questions/clarifications
11:00 a.m. (DST) Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Direct questions to:
Susan E. Elsner, Director of School Nutrition
Walton County School Nutrition
1820 Hwy 11
Monroe, GA 30656
or via email: susan.elsner@walton.k12.ga.us and include Food Safety-Sanitation RFP in the subject line.
Questions and clarification requests are not accepted via telephone.
Responses to written requests for clarification will be provided to all interested parties and will be posted to the Walton
County School Nutrition webpage. Any required amendments to the RFP will be posted to the Walton County School
Nutrition webpage.
Deadline for submission
11:00 a.m. (DST) Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Submission address
Susan E. Elsner, Director of School Nutrition
Walton County School Nutrition
1820 Hwy 11
Monroe, GA 30656
RFP Opening
1:30 p.m. (DST) Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Walton County SNP office.
Responses will be opened in public with vendor names and bottom-line pricing read aloud. In-depth submission
evaluation will be conducted in private.
Award announcement
No later than 5:00 p.m. (DST), Friday, June 26, 2026.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Terms and Conditions ...................................................................... Page 3
Solicitation Specific Terms and Conditions ................................................. Page 16
RFP Submission Instructions ....................................................................... Page 20
Appendix A: List of Participating Districts/Start Dates ............................... Page 22
Appendix B: Proposal Certification ............................................................. Page 23
Appendix C: Cost Proposal Form ................................................................ Page 24
Appendix D - 1: Technical Proposal: Regulatory/Supporting Documents . Page 25
Appendix D - 2: Technical Proposal: Yes/No/Short Answer Questions ..... Page 26
Appendix D - 3: Technical Proposal: Customer References ...................... Page 27
Appendix E-1: Immigration and Security Form .......................................... Page 28
Appendix E-2: Contractor Affidavit............................................................. Page 29
Appendix F: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities ............................................ Page 30
Appendix G: Anti-Collusion Affidavit .......................................................... Page 32
Appendix H: Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligible Form ........................ Page 33
REQUIRED SUBMITTALS
All documents are required to be submitted by
11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Participating Districts/Start Dates Appendix A
Proposal Certification Appendix B
Cost Proposal Form Appendix C
Technical: Regulatory/supporting documents Appendix D - 1
Technical: Yes/No/Short Answer questions Appendix D - 2
Technical: Customer References Appendix D - 3
Immigration and Security Form Appendix E - 1
Contractor Affidavit Appendix E - 2
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Appendix F
Anti-Collusion Affidavit Appendix G
Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligible Form Appendix H
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GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
It shall be incumbent upon each party to understand the provisions of this proposal and obtain clarifications within the
time allowed during the proposal period. Failure to obtain clarification will be no excuse or justification for non-
compliance with the provisions set forth herein.
The SNPs solicit the lowest responsive, responsible party which meets all terms, conditions, and specifications of this
RFP. The RFP will only be awarded to one party and will result in a firm, fixed price for the contract period.
The SNPs reserve the right to accept or reject all or any part of any solution submitted and further reserve the right to
reject all proposals submitted and to re-issue the solicitation. In this connection, the SNPs shall make such
determinations and/or selections which, in their sole judgments, are deemed to be in their best interest. This may or
may not be the lowest priced proposal. A proposal submitted by a vendor which takes exception to a material
requirement of any part of this solicitation will be rejected.
The award of this proposal is contingent upon funds being budgeted for each of the SNPs involved. If one SNP does not
have available funds budgeted, that SNP will be allowed to withdraw from the solicitation without affecting pricing
proposed for the remaining SNPs.
BUY AMERICAN
As this RFP does not involve food products, the Buy American Act is not included.
CIVIL RIGHTS STATEMENT AND ASSURANCES
All SNPs participating in this RFP agree that their school district will comply with:
1. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (4 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.);
2. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.);
3. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794);
4. Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.);
5. Title II and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 as amended by the ADA
Amendment Act of 2008 (42 U.S.C. 12131-12189);
6. Executive Order 13166, "Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency."
(August 1, 2000);
7. All provisions required by the implementing regulations of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) (7 CFR
Part 15 et seq.);
8. Department of Justice Enforcement Guidelines (28 CFR Parts 35, 42, and 50.3);
9. Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) directives and guidelines to the effect that no person shall, on the
grounds of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identify and sexual orientation), age, or
disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subject to
discrimination under any program or activity for which the Program applicant receives Federal financial
assistance from USDA; and hereby gives assurance that it will immediately take measures necessary to
effectuate this agreement.
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CODE OF CONDUCT
No person engaged in this procurement process including the award, administration of contract, or receipt of products
shall participate if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, would be involved. Conflicts of interest arise when one of the
following has a financial or other interest in the firm selected for the award:
* The employee, office, or agent;
* Any member of his/her immediate family;
* His or her partner;
* Any organization which employs or is about to employ one of the above.
Employees, officers, or agents shall neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of significant monetary value
from vendors or parties to sub-agreements. The purchase of food or service from a vendor for individual use is
prohibited. The removal of food, supplies, equipment, or school property (including paperwork) is prohibited. The
outside sale of items such as used oil, empty cans, cardboard, or pallets will be sold by contract between the School
Nutrition Program and an outside agency. Individual sales by any school employee to an outside agency or other school
employee is prohibited. Failure of any employee, officer, or agent to abide by the above code could result in a fine,
suspension, both, or dismissal. Interpretation of the code will be given at any time by contacting the Director of School
Nutrition. The School Nutrition Program will not be held responsible by any decisions made by persons requesting
explanation or interpretation by anyone other than the Director of School Nutrition.
COMPETITION
This solicitation is intended to promote competition. If the language, specifications, terms, and conditions, or any
combination thereof restricts or limits this solicitation to a single source, it is the responsibility of the interested party to
notify Susan E. Elsner, Director of School Nutrition, RFP administrator, in writing so as to be received no fewer than five
business days prior to the opening date. This solicitation may or may not be changed, but a review of such notification
will be made prior to award.
CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
Systems participating in this RFP will maintain a local procurement plan which includes contract management
procedures. These procedures will include methods by which local contract disputes (pricing issues, delivery and service
issues, etc.) will be addressed and documented. Each member district will keep the RFP administrator apprised of
serious issues in case there are systemic issues with the vendor which should be addressed by the RFP administrator.
CONTRACT PERIOD
The successful vendor will be required to sign a binding contract for services separately with each of the SNPs. The
initial contract period will be for one year beginning on July 1, 2026, and continuing with uninterrupted service through
June 30, 2027.
CONTRACT PRICING
Proposal prices must include all packaging, transport, and service costs. Federal and state taxes must not be included.
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CONTRACT RENEWAL PROVISION
This RFP includes a provision for contract renewal for up to four years following the initial bid year. Contract renewals
may occur based on mutual agreement between SNPs and vendor.
DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION
Institutions shall solicit offers from, award contracts to, and consent to subcontracts with responsible vendors and/or
principals only. The serious nature of debarment and suspension requires that sanctions be imposed only in the public
interest for the Government's protection and not for purposes of punishment. Institutions shall impose debarment of
suspension to protect the Government's interest and only for causes and in accordance with the procedures set forth in
2 CFR 200.213.
The vendor certifies that the vendor and/or any of its sub vendors or principals have not been debarred, suspended, or
declared ineligible by any agency of the State of Georgia or any agency of the Federal government or as defined in 2 CFR
200.213 which states "Non-federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations
implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and
contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in
Federal assistance programs or activities." The vendor will immediately notify the School Food Authority if vendor is
debarred or placed on the Consolidated List of Debarred, Suspended, and Ineligible Vendors by a federal entity.
By signing the included Debarment and Suspension Certification that is included as part of this solicitation, the vendor is
testifying that they are not debarred, suspended, or has any ineligible or voluntary exclusions with the U. S. Department
of Agriculture or any other Federal or State Agency. All responses will be verified. Debarment and Suspension
(Executive Orders 12549 and 12689) - A contract award (see 2 CFR 180.220) must not be made to parties listed on the
government-wide exclusions in the System for Award Management (SAM), in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2
CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR part 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR part 1989 Comp., p.
235), "Debarment and Suspension." SAM Exclusions contains the names of parties debarred, suspended, or otherwise
excluded by agencies, as well as parties declared ineligible under statutory or regulator authority other than Executive
Order 12549.
DISCUSSIONS/NEGOTIATIONS
By participating in this solicitation, party agrees that during the period following issuance of this solicitation and prior to
notification of intent and/or award of contract, party will not discuss this procurement with any party except the RFP
administrator or his/her designee.
DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ACT
The vendor must comply with all terms and conditions of the Drug Free Workplace Act (O.C.G.A. 50-24-3). Additionally,
vendor must ensure that all representatives observe tobacco, alcohol, and drug free campus requirements. "Campus"
encompasses all school property including parking lots and access roads.
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ENERGY POLICY AND CONSERVATION ACT
Vendor must comply with mandatory standards and policies relating to energy efficiency which are contained in the
state energy conservation plan issued in compliance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (PL 94-163, 89 Stat.
871).
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMPLIANCE
In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race,
color, national origin, sex, age, and disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of
Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D. C. 20250-9410, or call (866) 632-9992 (voice). Individuals
who are hearing impaired or who have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)
877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
ESCALATION/DE-ESCALATION
Pending satisfactory performance by the vendor and upon mutual written agreement between the SNPs and the vendor
to renew the current contract; price increases and/or decreases will be considered for prices to be effective with the
onset of the newly renewed contract year beginning July 1. Third party documentation must accompany any price
changes which must be submitted no later than June 1.
EXCEPTION TO RFP
Responses submitted in response to this invitation constitute a binding offer to comply with all terms, conditions, special
conditions, general specifications, and requirements stated in this bid, except to the extent that a vendor takes
exception to such provisions. To take exception to a provision of this RFP, the vendor must submit and clearly identify in
writing the following:
a) The title of each section of this RFP that the vendor takes exception to;
b) The specific sentence within such section that the vendor takes exception to;
c) An alternate provision proposed by the vendor.
Exceptions to RFP must be submitted at the same time as the proposal is submitted. The RFP administrator will review
the requested exception to the RFP and register a written response. Said response may or may not affect the outcome
of the RFP award process.
FORCE MAJEURE
If the RFP administrator, at his/her discretion, determines that a force majeure event is likely to delay a vendor's
performance for more than 30 days, the RFP administrator reserves the right to cancel the agreement between the
parties. In that event, neither party shall have any further liability to the other, subject only to the SNPs' obligations to
pay the vendor for products already delivered.
The RFP administrator, at his/her discretion, may entertain alternatives to previously specified products which will meet
the spirit of the contract and previously detailed specifications. Such alternatives may become permanent replacements
for originally specified items or may serve only as substitutes until the originally specified item is reliably available.
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FUEL SURCHARGE
Fuel surcharge fees and fuel cost add-on costs are specifically prohibited for this RFP. Vendors must quote the price
they intend to charge districts which must include a delivery fee as part of the cost. Vendors are expressly prohibited
from adding a "fuel surcharge" line to invoices or statements. Any such additions will be deducted from invoice and
statement totals.
GEORGIA LAW
Upon award of a contract under this solicitation, the person, partnership, association, or corporation to whom the
award is made must comply with the laws of the Georgia which require such person or entity to be authorized and/or
licensed to do business in this state. Notwithstanding the fact that applicable statutes may exempt or exclude the
successful party from requirements that it be authorized and/or licensed to do business in this state, by submission of
this signed proposal the successful party agrees to subject him/herself to the jurisdiction and process of the courts of
Georgia as to all matters and disputes arising or to arise under the contract and the performance thereof, including any
questions as to the liability for taxes, licenses, or fees levied by the state.
HOLD HARMLESS
The vendor shall hold harmless and indemnify the SNPs, their officers, and employees for any and every claim, demand,
suit, and award which may be made from any and all damages and claims which may be made by reason of:
1. Any injury or death to person or property damage or loss sustained by any person, firm, or corporation
caused by any act, neglect, default, or omission of the vendor or any person, firm or corporation,
directly or indirectly employed by it upon, or in connection with its performance under this contract;
2. Any liability that may arise from the furnishing or use of any copyrighted or not copyrighted formula,
secret process, patented or not patented invention in the performances of the services called for under
the contract;
3. The vendor, at its own expense and risk, shall bear all reasonable attorneys' fees, costs, and expenses
which may be incurred in defending against any legal proceeding which may be brought against the
SNPs, as well as their officers and employees, on any such demand, and satisfy any judgment that may
be rendered against any one of them.
INSURANCE
1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The vendor shall not commence work or deliveries under the contract until he/she has obtained all insurance required.
Required insurance shall be purchased only from companies licensed and duly authorized by the Georgia Department of
Insurance to do business in Georgia and to write the types of insurance policies as herein specified. The companies shall
have a policyholder's rating of "A" and a financial rating of "AAAAA" as stated in the latest edition of Best's Insurance
Guide.
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Insurance shall afford member districts of the SNPs the same protection and in the same amounts as required for the
vendor and shall protect the SNPs from all claims for bodily injury and property damage arising from ownership of the
premises and general supervision or observation of the work, including claims by employees of the vendor, and
subcontractors.
Vendor shall provide a Certificate of Insurance to each SNP showing complete coverage of all insurance required by this
proposal signed by an authorized agent of the insurance company within 15 days of signing a contract to perform. The
certificate of insurance will identify the name and address of the party insured, the description of the work covered by
such insurance, the insurance policy number, the limits of liability of the policies and dates of their expirations, with
further certification from the insurance companies that their policies will not be materially modified, amended, changed,
canceled, or terminated without 30 business days' prior written notice to the SNPs.
2. REQUIRED INSURANCE
a) Worker's Compensation: Vendor shall obtain, at his/her expense, insurance protecting vendor from
liabilities that may be imposed under the Worker's Compensation Act. The limit of liability afforded under the
Employer's Liability Section of the Worker's Compensation and Employer's Liability Policy shall not be less than
$500,000 for any on accident or occupational disease. Certificates of Insurance Indicating State of Georgia
approved self-insurance on aggregate excess for Worker's Compensation and Occupational Disease are
acceptable subject to the approval of the SNPs.
b) Comprehensive General Liability and Property Damage: Vendor shall obtain, at his/her expense,
Comprehensive General Liability and Property Damage Insurance which shall protect him/her from claims for
damages for bodily injury, including accidental death, which may arise from activities under or incidental to the
contract, both on or off the site, whether such activities be by the vendor, or anyone directly or indirectly
employed by any one of them, or as otherwise herein specified. Property Damage Insurance shall be in an
amount not less than $100,000 for damage to property in any one occurrence with an aggregate limit of not less
than $300,000. The comprehensive General Liability Insurance shall include coverage for Operations-Premises,
Product Liability, Contractor's Protective Liability, Completed Operations and Contractual Liability. The policy
shall be endorsed to provide Broad Form Property Damage Liability. Limits of coverage shall not be less than
$300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $100,000 property damage per accident.
c) Comprehensive Automobile Liability: Each vendor shall obtain, at his/her expense, Comprehensive
Automobile Liability Insurance covering all owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles, providing bodily injury and
death coverage in limits of an amount not less than $100,000 per person and $100,000 per accident; and
property damage coverage in limits of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 in aggregate. Vendor must be the
named insured.
d) Umbrella Policy Acceptability: Certificates of Insurance and letters of indemnification of any form of
Umbrella or Excess of Loss coverage for Employer's Liability, General Liability, or Auto Liability of not less than
$1,000,000 for any one occurrence and subject to the same aggregate limits as described above are acceptable
in lieu of the individual policies specified previously in this section, subject to the approval of the SNPs as to the
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form and amount of self-insured retention. The SNPs reserve the right to require a copy of the entire policy in
addition to the insurance certificate.
LOBBYING
The included lobbying form must be completed and returned as part of this submission. Lobbying disclosure clearly
shows that each tier certifies to the tier above that it will not and has not used Federal appropriated funds to pay any
person or organization for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of
Congress, officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with obtaining any
Federal contract, grant, or any other award covered by 31 U.S.C. 1352. Each tier must also disclose any lobbying with
non-Federal funds that takes place in connection with obtaining any Federal award. Such disclosures are forwarded
from tier to tier up to the non-Federal award. All vendors are required to complete a Lobbying Certification form if one
is included in the packet.
MINORITY AND SMALL BUSINESS (HUB STATEMENT)
It is the intent of this RFP and the SNPs to provide maximum practicable opportunities to minority firms, women's
business enterprises, labor surplus area firms, and veteran owned businesses. Small businesses, women and minority
owned business sources, labor surplus area firms, and veteran owned businesses will not be given unfair advantage
when evaluating competitive purchases i.e. small purchase procedures, sealed bids, competitive proposals, or
noncompetitive proposals (2CFR 200.321).
When possible, SNPs will ensure that small businesses, minority businesses, women's business enterprises, veteran
owned businesses, and labor surplus area firms are considered in ways such as listed:
a) The listed business types will be included on solicitation lists and are solicited whenever deemed eligible
as potential sources
b) When possible, procurement transactions will be separated to permit maximum participation by these
businesses
c) Delivery schedules may be altered in order to encourage participation by these business types
NON-COLLUSION
By signing the proposal certification, vendor certifies that this proposal is made without prior understanding, agreement,
or connection with any corporation, firm, or person submitting a proposal for the same materials, supplies, or
equipment, and is in all respect fair and without collusion or fraud. Party certifies understanding that collusive bidding is
a violation of State and Federal law and can result in fines, prison sentences, and civil damage awards. Party agrees to
abide by all conditions of this RFP, and certifies that the person signing the proposal certification is authorized to offer
this proposal for the vendor. Party further certifies that the provisions of O.C.G.A. 45-10-20 et seq. have not and will not
be violated in any respect.
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