RFP 2526-003 FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT COMPANY VS 2

Revised April 2026
Request for Proposal and Contract
Nonprofit School Food Service
Food Service Management Company
DESOTO COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
Name of Sponsor
DeSoto County School Board
April 2026
RFP# 2526-003
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Revised April 2026
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations
and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who
require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape,
American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or
USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay
Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program
Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at:
https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-
28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to
USDA. The letter must contain the complainant's name, address, telephone number, and a written description of
the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR)
about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be
submitted to USDA by:
1. mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax:
(833)256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email:
program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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Revised April 2026
SECTION 1
INSTRUCTIONS
1.1 Notice of Proposal
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.
The DeSoto County School Board consists of five elected officials responsible for the adoption of
policies which govern the operation of the District's public schools. The Superintendent of Schools
is also an elected official responsible for the administration and management of the public school
system.
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 include but are not limited to the
following:
A.) To increase student meal participation at all levels:
1. Ensure consistency of high-quality food served at each kitchen,
2. Actively solicit school and community input,
3. Provide a variety of menu choices to meet dietary requirements,
4. Practice successful marketing outreach with a strong emphasis on public relations, and
5. Establish and maintain a stringent cleanliness/sanitation program.
B.) To establish a formal structure to gather input routinely and continuously from school food service
employees to ensure effective and efficient operations.
C.) To establish and conduct management and operational staff training programs that will ensure
appropriate staff development, proper supervision, consistent quality control, and exercise
appropriate safety procedures
D.) To develop and maintain model management/operations staffing patterns at all schools, based upon
their individual needs, which will assure quality service and retention of qualified employees.
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E.) To maximize recycling efforts and minimize contributions to the solid waste stream.
F.) To select a FSMC that will guarantee a surplus $200,000 fund balance, including the annually
approved indirect cost rate, for the SFA food service operation for school year 2026-2027 and
beyond. The food service management program is presently operated by the SDDC. The program
encompasses all aspects of food service operations for all schools within the SDDC. For the
purposes of this Request for Proposal (RFP), SDDC will be synonymous with the SFA.
1.2 Proposal Submission
Responses should address each of the requirements set forth in this RFP. Please provide the
requested information no later than 2:00 PM EST on 5/4/2026 to the address below. Responses will be
opened at 2:05 PM EST on 5/4/2026 to be evaluated per the criteria specified in subsection 1.4, below.
DeSoto County School Board (Sponsor name)
Superintendent Dr. Bobby Bennett
Director of Finance, Manuel Martin or Michelle Sikes (Purchasing Specialist)
530 LaSolona Ave (Address)
Arcadia, Florida, 34266 (City, State, Zip)
1.3 Timeline
4/16/26 Proposal available to public
n/a Site Visit (Mandatory) at 530 La Salona Avenue, Arcadia, FL 34266 at 2:00
P.M.
4/20/26 , Proposal questions due
4/22/26 , Proposal questions answered by publishing Addendum 1, if
Applicable
5/4/26 , Proposal submissions due by 2:00 P.M. EST
5/4/26 P r o posal submissions opened at 2:05 P.M., at 530 La Salona Ave,
Arcadia, FL 34266.
5/7/26 ,SFA review of Proposals
5/8/26 ,SFA recommendation to FDACS and FDACS review
5/15/26 FDACS review provided to SFA
5/26/26 , Contract intent to award letter sent and Board meeting review and vote.
July 1, 2026 , Awarded Vendor begins service
1.4 Evaluation Criteria
Proposals received will be reviewed to ensure all material has been submitted as specified in this
RFP. The evaluation of proposals will be conducted in accordance with the below criteria. Contract
award decision will be made based on the vendor that attains the greatest overall proposal score. It
is for the management Vendor to show their expertise, experience, and capability in the proposal
document to meet the needs of SDDC. Please be complete, clear, and concise in your proposal.
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The following categories are the principal criteria that will be considered in the evaluation of the
proposals:
1. Total Fixed Meal Charge (25 points).
* The lowest cost receives max points. The others receive points equal to the
lowest price divided by their meal price x 25 (not rounded)
(Lowest Responsive Meal Price / Vendor Meal Price) x 25
2. Menus/Product Identifications/Nutrition Analyses (15 points) -
Alignment with Federal and State nutrition standards, Clarity and completeness
of product specifications
Evidence of innovative menu design and student engagement strategies
Scoring Guidelines Applicable
Exceptional Menus exceed USDA requirements and address variances
and medical necessities for diets.
(15)
Good (10) Menus meet USDA requirements and provide adequate
variety.
Fair (5): Menus minimally meet requirements but lack variety or
detail.
Poor (0): Menus do not meet USDA requirements
33. Marketing Plan (20 points) -
* Marketing strategies for increased breakfast and lunch meal participation
* In school marketing to students to change perception of school lunches to increase
participation.
* Marketing to the community to increase parent and community engagement in order to
encourage participation in school program (NSLP/SBP) and to encourage summer
food program participation (SFSP) in the community.
* Marketing to attract interest of students in participation with innovation of choices and
engagement opportunities
Scoring Guidelines Applicable
Programs in a K12
* Exceptional (10): Clear, proactive engagement and feedback mechanisms.
* Good (7): Adequate communication and coordination.
* Fair (4): Minimal engagement described.
* Poor (0): No engagement plan provided.
_____________
4. Company Experience (10 points) -
Only companies with a minimum of five years of experience in the serving a public K12
District with the National School Lunch// Breakfast programs,and Summer Food Services
Programs will be accepted.
* Staff training/transition plan, implementation time line
* Does the FSMC present a plan for "partnering" with District to be successful during
startup and ongoing operations? Experience of the proposed staff present in production
line operations and training staff
* Plan to incorporate current staff into new menu preparation training and procedures

4. cont.
Scoring Guidelines Applicable
* Exceptional (10) demonstrates strong understanding of K12 food service programs
with NSLP/SBP experience
* Good (7) demonstrates relevant experience with minor gaps or comparative
programs.
* Fair (4) demonstrates limited experience in similar setting, capability is minimally
demonstrated.
* Poor (0) demonstrates no relevant or comparable experience demonstrated.
5. Experience of On-Site Management Company Staff (10 points) -
General Manager must have a minimum of five years of experience with National School
Lunch/Breakfast Programs in a K12 environment.
Experience of the proposed staff present in a production line operation and in training staff.
* Scoring Guidelines Applicable
* Exceptional (10) Highly qualified on-site management with a detailed staffing
plan that ensures full coverage for all meal periods with clear supervision
and contingency planning demonstrated. Manager has 5 years experience.
* Good (7) Staffing plan meets operational needs with qualified management
and adequate coverage.
* Fair (4) Staffing is minimally adequate but lacks detail regarding coverage or
supervision
* Poor (0) Staffing plan is unclear, insufficient, or does not demonstrate capacity to
meet operational needs.
6. Training/Transition Plan (15 points)
Staff training/transition plan, implementation time line.
Plan to incorporate current staff into new menu preparation training and procedures.
Plan to maintain certifications and professional development for staff moving forward.
The FSMC presents a plan for "partnering" with District to be successful during startup and
ongoing operations
Scoring Guidelines Applicable
Exceptional (15) HHighly qualified on-site management with a detailed staffing
plan that ensures full coverage for all meal periods with clear supervision
and contingency planning demonstrated.
Good (10) Staffing plan meets operational needs with qualified management
and adequate coverage.
Fair (5) Staffing is minimally adequate but lacks detail regarding coverage or
supervision
Poor (0) Staffing Plan is unclear,, insufficient, or does not demonstrate capacity to meet
operational needs.
7. References (5 points)
VVendor expertise, experience, and references from clients served.
(consideration of reliability, responsiveness, and program success reported by
references)
Scoring Guidelines Applicable
Exceptional (5): Three or more relevant, verifiable references provided.
Good (3): Two relevant references provided.
Fair (1): OOne relevant reference provided.
Poor (0): NNo relevant references provided.

Revised April 2026
8.8Evaluate financial stability, controls, invoicing practices, and audit history.(10 points
Vendor demonstrates financial stability controls, invoicing practices, and audit ready practices.
Scoring Guidelines Applicable
Exceptional (10) Strong financial stability and audit-ready systems.
Good (7) Adequate financial systems with minor concerns.
Fair (4):
Some weaknesses in controls or documentation.
Poor (0):
Financial practices present significant risk.
The SDDC will evaluate the proposals, based on the above criteria and select the Food Service
Management Company that the District feels that is most advantageous to the program, with price
and other factors considered.
Proposal Exhibits (Attachments)
1.5 1. Exhibit A - Location of schools
2. Exhibit B - Approved 21-day cycle menu
3. Exhibit C - Current NSLP Nutrition Standard Guidelines
4. Exhibit D - 2026-2027 School Calendar Board Approved
5. Exhibit E - Current Employees and Work Schedule
5. Exhibit F - Drug-Free Workplace Program Bidder Certification
6. Exhibit G - Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility, and
Voluntary Exclusion
7. Exhibit H - Certification Regarding Lobbying
8. Exhibit I - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
9. Exhibit J - Proposal Summary
10.Exhibit K - Annual Financial Report
11.Exhibit L - Non-Collusion Affidavit
12.Exhibit M - Sample Invoice
13.Exhibit N - A La Carte and Adult Meals
14.Exhibit O - Proof of Completion of FNW Vendor Training
15.Exhibit P - Board Approved Bargaining Agreement
16.Exhibit Q - Compensation Plan
17.Exhibit R - 24-25 Food Service Budget
18.Exhibit S - Detailed meal claims Sept-Nov 2025 including a la carte and adult
sales
19.Exhibit T - Certificate of IIndependent Price
Questions and Site Visits
1.6 There will not be a mandatory Site Visit/Prebid. Questions concerning this RFP must be submitted in
writing by April 20, 2026, via email to Michelle Sikes, Purchasing Specialist, via email at
michelle.sikes@desotoschools.com. All responses to questions received will be on the District website
and available to all potential vendors on April 22, 2026.
1.7 Addenda
Revisions which modify the RFP documents, by addition, deletions, clarifications, or corrections will
be on the District website and available to all potential vendors.
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SECTION 2
GENERAL CONDITIONS
2.1 Rejection of Proposal
The SDDC reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. Therefore, proposals should be
submitted initially in the most favorable manner. It is understood that the proposal will become a part
of the official file on this matter without obligation to the SDDC.
All proposals must be in writing. A responsive proposal indicates a willingness and good faith
intention to negotiate and enter into a contract with the District that, without condition or exception,
complies with the scope of services called for in this RFP. Non-responsive proposals shall not be
considered. Proposals may be rejected if found to be irregular or not in conformance with the
requirements and instructions contained herein. A proposal may be found to be irregular or non-
responsive by reasons including, but not limited to, failure to complete or utilize prescribed forms,
conditional proposals, incomplete proposals, indefinite or ambiguous proposals, or improper or
undated signatures. The District reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to waive any informality.
Proposals may be rejected if more than one proposal is received from an individual, firm,
partnership, or corporation, or combination thereof, under the same or different names. Such
duplicate interest may cause the rejection of all proposals in which such Vendor has participated.
Other conditions that may cause rejection of proposals include evidence of collusion among
Vendors, obvious lack of experience or expertise to perform the required work, or failure to perform
or meet financial obligations on previous contracts, or in the event an individual, firm, partnership, or
corporation is on the United States Comptroller General's List of Ineligible Vendors for Federally
Financed or Assisted Projects. Proposals will be rejected if not delivered or received on or before the
date and time specified for submission.
The District will evaluate the proposals in accordance with the requirements for vendors. The
objective is to execute an agreement with the selected Vendor as soon as possible after the
selection is made. If, in the sole discretion of the SDDC, the negotiations are unsuccessful, then the
SDDC may discontinue them and begin negotiating with the next selected Vendor, and so on, until a
satisfactory plan and agreement are reached. Notwithstanding any other statements in this RFP, the
SDDC is under no obligation to enter into an agreement with any of the Vendors. The Vendor is also
required to provide as a part of its response to this RFP a sample contract format for evaluation in
the event they are the successful Vendor. Proposals that do not conform to the requirements of this
RFP shall be rejected. Proposals may be rejected for reasons that include, but are not limited to, the
following:
1. The proposal was received after the submission deadline. No electronic copies will be accepted. A
flash drive must be included with the 6 printed copies.
2. The proposal was not signed by an authorized representative of the FSMC.
3. The proposal contained unauthorized amendments, deletions, or contingencies to the
requirements of the RFP.
4. The proposal was incomplete or contained significant inconsistencies or
inaccuracies.
2.2 Errors or Omissions
If the SFA determines that a proposal contains a minor irregularity or an error, such as a
transposition, extension or footing error in figures that are presented, the SFA may allow the FSMC
an opportunity to correct the error. Information that is required to be included in the proposal and is
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inadvertently omitted shall not be accepted under this error correction provision. All information
required to be included in a proposal must be received by the date and time that proposals are due.
The SFA reserves the right to seek clarification of any information contained in the FSMC's proposal.
2.3 Deviations or Exceptions
Deviations or exceptions to the specifications provided in this RFP will not be considered.
2.4 Specifications and Conditions
By submitting a response to this RFP, FSMCs are acknowledging that they have read the
specifications and conditions provided in the RFP and that their proposal is made in accordance
with the provisions of such specifications. FSMCs further agree to deliver services that meet or
exceed specifications provided in the RFP should they be awarded a contract for services.
2.5 Withdrawal of Proposal
Requests for withdrawal of a proposal may be considered if such request is received in writing within
72 hours after the proposal opening time and date. Requests received in accordance with this
provision may be granted upon proof of the impossibility to perform based upon an obvious error on
the part of the FSMC. If a request for withdrawal is not received, a FSMC shall be legally responsible
for fulfilling all requirements of its proposal if it is accepted.
2.6 Proposal Modifications
Requests for modifications of a proposal may be considered if such request is received in writing
within 72 hours after the proposal opening time and date. Requests received in accordance with this
provision may be granted upon proof of the impossibility to perform based upon an obvious error on
the part of the FSMC. If a request for modification is not received, a FSMC shall be legally
responsible for fulfilling all requirements of its proposal if it is accepted.
2.7 Prohibition of Gratuities
By submission of a proposal, a FSMC certifies that no employee of SFA has or shall benefit
financially or materially from such proposal or subsequent contract. Any contract issued because of
this RFP may be terminated at such time as it is determined that gratuities of any kind were either
offered or received by any of the aforementioned persons.
2.8 Competition
Per 2 CFR 200.319(b) and to ensure objective FSMC performance and eliminate unfair competitive
advantage, FSMCs that develop or draft specifications, requirements, statements of work, or
invitations for bids or requests for proposals must be excluded from competing for such
procurements.
2.9 FSMC Research
SFA reserves the right to research any FSMC submitting a proposal in response to this RFP to
ensure the FSMC's ability to perform the services as specified.
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2.10 Training
All food service management companies must complete the online food service management
company training found at Vendors / National School Lunch Program / Nutrition Programs / Food &
Nutrition / Home - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services with eighty (80) percent
accuracy or higher or attend an in-person food service management company training conducted by
the Department prior to entering into an agreement for food services with a Sponsor. Opportunities
to complete the online food service management company trainings are offered year-round.
2.11 Conditions for Acceptance
FSMCs must submit a proposal meeting the requirements of the RFP to include the required
exhibits/attachments and certifications signed by the authorized official. Proposals must be received
in person by the time and date specified in subsection 1.2, Proposal Submission, above.
2.12 Proposal Computation Method
Estimated totals must be carried out to the second decimal place and must not be rounded.
2.13 Proposal Bond Requirements
Each proposal shall be accompanied by a Proposal Bond in the amount of $50,000.00. The
purpose of the bond is to ensure the successful respondent will enter into contract upon award. The
bond shall be issued by a surety company licensed to conduct business in the State of Florida and
listed as an approved surety by the U.S. Department of the Treasury Cash, checks or other bond
instruments are NOT acceptable. Bond will be returned (a) to unsuccessful bidders as soon as
practicable after the opening of bids and (b) to the successful bidder upon execution of such further
Contractual documents and bonds as may be required by the bid as accepted.
2.14 Performance Bond Requirements
The successful firm shall provide a Performance Bond in the amount of 10% of the contract price
which shall remain in effect for the entire contract, including all renewal periods. Such Bond shall be
submitted within fifteen (15) calendar days after award of the Contract by the Board. Both the Bid
Bond and the Performance Bond shall be issued by one and the same surety company.
2.15 Protest of the RFP
Any adversely affected person who desires to file a formal protest to this RFP must do so in
accordance under chapter 120, Florida Statutes. Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in
section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, or failure to post the bond or other security required by law
within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under chapter 120,
Florida Statutes.
2.16 Copyrights
The SFA reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or
otherwise use, and to authorize others to use, for SFA purposes: (a) The copyright in any work
developed under a grant, subgrant, or contract under a grant or subgrant; and (b) Any rights of
copyright to which a grantee, sub grantee, or contractor purchases ownership with grant support. 2
C.F.R. Appendix II to Part 200(F)
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