RFP 2526-001 FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT COMPANY- OPEN

This Request for Proposal (RFP) is for the purpose of obtaining responses from caterers and vendors to provide meal services for the DeSoto County School Board (SDDC), School Food Authority (SFA). Child Nutrition Programs operated may include the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Afterschool Snack Program (ASP), School Dinner Program (SDP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO). Meal service may also be requested during declared emergencies or when emergency shelters are in operation due to man-made or natural disasters.

DeSoto County School District (SFA/sponsor) is a public school located in Arcadia, Florida. The goal of the Food Service Program is to secure a Food Service Management Company (FSMC) to provide healthy, minimally processed, wholesome, appealing meals and a la carte food items, with maximum participation for our student population and staff.

The DeSoto County School Board (SDDC) is accepting Proposals for Qualifications from Food Service Management Companies (FSMC) for the purpose of providing complete management and operations of all food service facilities for the DeSoto County School Board (SDDC), Florida School Food Authority (SFA). Meal programs will include the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. The DeSoto County School Board is a public school district located in DeSoto County, Florida.

A successful contractor will be responsible for conducting a food service program which fulfills the objectives of the District and has the capability to provide food service support during emergency situations or emergency operations. Proposers are advised to keep in mind the primary goals of

the District when compiling their proposals. District objectives are included but not limited to the information in the Bid packet attached.

Thank you to all the vendors that attended the opening meeting on 1/28/26. All submissions were accepted asd they had met all qualifications.

The public Evaluation Committee Meeting will be held on February 4th, 2026 in the main Board Room at 2:00PM. Evaluation members will bring their questions and discuss the proposals in order to score and rank them. Public is welcome. Once selected, the chosen proposal will be submitted to FDACS for approval as well as the School Board.

We are hoping for a Board submission date for final approval on 2/24/26.- all pending FDACS return of review timing.