RFP 2526-003 FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT COMPANY VS 2

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.

There will not be a prebid meeting as this is a reposting for services. Prior bids were rejected and we are reposting for the services. All questions are due on 4/20/26 and the answers will be posted on 4/22/26. Proposals are due in person on 5/4/26 by 2:00 PM. No Electronic copies will be accepted. Please allow time for delivery. We are requesting 6 hard copies and 1 flashdrive with an original and any redacted copy for pubic record requests.

The Evaluation Committee Meeting will meet on May, 7, 2026 to determine their selection. Evaluation members will bring their questions and discuss the proposals in order to score and rank them.  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 5/26/26.- all pending FDACS return of review timing.