RFQ 2026-05: Nutrition Services for Older or Disabled Adults

Nutrition Services for Older
or Disable d Adults
_____________________________________________________________________
Request for Proposals
RFP-2026-05
Greater Nashville Regional Council
44 Vantage Way, Suite 450 | Nashville, Tennessee 37228 | Phone: (615) 862-8828 | Fax: (615) 862-8840
GNRC.org

RFP Summary
About GNRC
The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) is a public agency established by the Tennessee General
Assembly to convene local and state leaders for the purposes of planning and programming state and federal
investments into public infrastructure and a range of social services.
GNRC is designated by the State Unit on Aging (SUA) as the Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) for
thirteen counties in Middle Tennessee. In this role, GNRC provides programs, services, advocacy, inter-agency
coordination, and information-sharing opportunities to improve the quality of life for older or disabled
Tennesseans. GNRC delivers a range of federal and state programs in partnership with local agencies and
private-sector organizations. Find out more at www.GNRC.org.
About this Solicitation
The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) is seeking proposals from provider agencies and organizations
capable of providing nutrition services to adults aged sixty and older (older adults), adults with disabilities, and
their caregivers.
The GNRC intends to contract with providers for congregate and home-delivered meals as described in this RFP
for every county in the planning and service area.
Important Dates and Deadlines
RFP issued: 02/18/2026
Written questions accepted through 03/08/2026
Submission Deadline: Proposals must be submitted by 03/22/2026
Contract Period: July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2030
Inquiries and Contact Information
All inquiries should be directed in writing to rfp@gnrc.org with a subject line that includes the RFP number.
Amendments to this Solicitation
Any doubt as to the requirements of this RFP or any apparent omission or discrepancy should be presented in
writing to rfp@gnrc.org. Oral statements or instructions will not constitute an amendment to this RFP. Any
amendments to this RFP will be posted online at GNRC.org/Procurement.
Non-Discrimination
GNRC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, including limited English proficiency
(LEP), gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, or disability in admission to, access to, or
operations of its programs, services, or activities. Discrimination against any person in recruitment, examination,
appointment, training, promotion, retention, discipline, or any other employment practices because of non-
merit factors is prohibited. Any person who believes that discrimination has occurred by GNRC, or its contractors, sub-
recipient, and/or consultants on the basis of race, color or national origin, including limited English proficiency (LEP), in
violation of Title VI may file a written complaint. Complaints may also be filed with the state or federal agency involved,
and with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged
discriminatory act. GNRC's full non-discrimination policy and additional information about ADA or English
language accommodations are available online at www.GNRC.org/legal.
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Table of Contents
Section 1. Background ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 About the GNRC ................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 About the Project .............................................................................................................................................. 1
Section 2. Scope of Project.................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Provider Requirements ..................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Requested Services ........................................................................................................................................... 9
Section 3. Instructions to Offerors ...................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Pre-Proposal Inquiries ..................................................................................................................................... 11
3.2 Submission Requirements ............................................................................................................................... 11
3.3 Proposal Contents ........................................................................................................................................... 11
3.4 Terms and Conditions ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Section 4. Selection Process ............................................................................................................... 16
4.1 Proposal Evaluation ......................................................................................................................................... 16
4.2 Final Evaluations .............................................................................................................................................. 16
4.3 Solicitation Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................... 16
4.4 Protests ........................................................................................................................................................... 17
Attachment A. Assurances and Certifications .................................................................................... A
Attachment B. Business Information ................................................................................................... B
Attachment C. Service Details .............................................................................................................. C
Attachment D. Service Rates ................................................................................................................ D
Attachment E. Sample Contract Terms ............................................................................................... E
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Section 1. Background
1.1 About the GNRC
The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC or Regional Council) is a public agency established by the
Tennessee Development District Act of 1965 and further empowered by Title 64, Chapter 7, Part 1, Tennessee
Code Annotated (TCA), as amended (the Act). GNRC is owned by and operated on behalf of its local government
membership comprised county governments in the counties of Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Houston,
Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson,
Tennessee, and all incorporated municipalities and metropolitan governments located within these counties.
GNRC is governed by a regional body comprised of city mayors, county mayors/executives, state legislators,
appointments representing business/industry, and appointments representing minority populations. The
Regional Council's Executive Board convenes monthly to enact the adopted Annual Work Program and Budget
on behalf of the membership and oversee the GNRC's programs and services carried out by its staff.
1.2 About the Project
GNRC is seeking proposals from provider agencies and organizations capable of providing nutrition services to
adults aged sixty and older (older adults), adults with disabilities, and their caregivers.
GNRC is designated by the State Unit on Aging (SUA) as the Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) for
thirteen counties in Middle Tennessee. In this role, GNRC provides programs, services, advocacy, inter-agency
coordination, and information-sharing opportunities to improve the quality of life for older or disabled
Tennesseans. GNRC delivers a range of federal and state programs in partnership with local agencies and
private-sector organizations. Find out more at www.GNRC.org.
Service Area
GNRC seeks to contract with a minimum of one service provider in order to provide congregate and home-
delivered meals in every county listed below. The following table indicates the demographics for each county in
GNRC's service area:
Population Language Poverty Rural
% of 65+ % of 65+ who speak % of 65+ who % of 65+ who are % of 65+ who
60+
County who are language other than are below low-income reside in a rural
population
minority English at home poverty minority area
Cheatham 10,032 2.60% 1.30% 7.20% 0.20% 83.00%
Davidson 128,786 26.20% 8.20% 11.10% 2.90% 3.50%
Dickson 13,462 5.80% 1.30% 11.40% 0.70% 67.80%
Houston 2,216 3.60% 0.50% 15.60% 0.60% 100.00%
Humphreys 5,333 3.00% 0.70% 7.60% 0.20% 82.50%
Montgomery 34,372 19.10% 8.60% 7.80% 1.50% 19.70%
Robertson 16,307 6.50% 3.50% 8.90% 0.60% 53.20%
Rutherford 58,541 13.00% 6.40% 7.60% 1.00% 17.00%
Stewart 3,977 3.40% 4.00% 11.50% 0.40% 100.00%
Sumner 47,141 6.70% 2.60% 8.50% 0.60% 27.90%
Trousdale 2,089 10.70% 0.70% 25.20% 2.70% 100.00%
Williamson 54,154 5.40% 4.80% 5.10% 0.30% 19.40%
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Population Language Poverty Rural
% of 65+ % of 65+ who speak % of 65+ who % of 65+ who are % of 65+ who
60+
County who are language other than are below low-income reside in a rural
population
minority English at home poverty minority area
Wilson 35,587 6.00% 2.70% 7.20% 0.40% 38.50%
Target Population
Services must be targeted primarily to older adults in the greatest social or economic need, with particular
attention to low-income, minority older adults, and those residing in rural areas. At a minimum, GNRC strives to
provide services to older adults and their caregivers in the greatest social or economic need in proportion to the
population of the counties served.
Reimbursement-Based Contract
This contract is a reimbursement-based contract. This means that contractors must incur the costs related to
the contract and provide appropriate documentation of your expenditures. Once GNRC receives an acceptable
invoice and supporting documentation, GNRC will then submit the cost for reimbursement to its funders. When
GNRC receives the funds, it then disburses them to your business. There is no guaranteed payment time for
invoices, and the average time of payment is approximately 45 days after the time complete documentation is
submitted. This means that, for example, services provided on August 15 would be invoiced on September 8th
and likely not be paid for until October 23rd or later.
Funding Sources and Programs
Funding sources include State of Tennessee Options for Community Living funds, federal Older Americans Act
Title III C funds, federal Older Americans Act Title III E Family Caregiver funds, and federal Older Americans Act
Nutrition Service Incentive Program (NSIP) funds.
The following is a brief description of each program:
Tennessee's Options for Community Living Program is designed to enable consumers to live
independently in their homes by providing a limited amount of services such as homemaker services,
personal care services, and/or home-delivered meals. With the assistance of these limited services,
along with the support of family and others, the consumer may be able to avoid or prolong admission
into institutional care. For the purpose of this RFP, the OPTIONS funding will be used to provide home-
delivered meals.
The Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III C provides nutrition services including congregate and home-
delivered meals for persons aged 60 and over. Services are designed to promote the health and well-
being of older individuals by assisting them in gaining access to nutrition and other disease prevention
and health promotion services to delay the onset of adverse health conditions resulting from poor
nutritional health or sedentary behavior. Title III C services are targeted to older individuals with the
greatest economic need, with particular attention to low-income minority individuals, those with the
greatest social needs, and those residing in rural areas.
The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) provides an infrastructure of program
resources and assistance for family caregivers, grandparents, and older individuals who are relative
caregivers through the designated AAAD, its service providers, and other appropriate consumer
organizations. In accordance with program directives, information, assistance, and counseling can be
provided to any caregiver, but respite and supplemental services are limited to caregiver support for
older individuals who are unable to perform at least two activities of daily living, or, due to cognitive or
other mental impairment, require substantial supervision. For the purpose of this RFP, the NFCSP
funding will be used to provide home-delivered meals.
The Nutrition Service Incentive Program (NSIP) supports Title III C services through incentives to serve
more meals made from or containing domestically produced food, such as milk, fruit, vegetables, and
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protein products. The NSIP statute requires funds be distributed promptly and equitably. In all cases,
programs must maintain documentation that proves NSIP allocations meet NSIP requirements. NSIP
funding may be applied toward meal purchases as long as each such meal contains United States
commodities or food equivalent in value to the cash payment per meal disbursed.
Nutrition Program Overview
Below are the core requirements of the Title III Nutrition Programs. The federal Older Americans Act provides
the federal requirements and funding for nutrition programs contracted through the SUA to the AAADs. The
Nutrition Services requirements are found in Chapter 6 of the SUA Program and Policy Manual which can be
found on https://www.tn.gov/disability-and-aging/disability-aging-programs/program-and-policy-manual.html.
Purposes of Title III Nutrition Services
1. Promote, maintain, and improve the health and well-being of eligible older adults and adults with
disabilities (collectively referred to as consumers) through the provision of nutritious meals and
opportunities for social contact.
2. Reduce nutritional risk among consumers through the provision of nutritious meals, nutrition screening,
and nutrition counseling based on the needs of consumers.
3. Reduce social isolation experienced by many consumers through participation in a variety of social and
nutrition service activities.
4. Provide planned nutrition education and supportive nutrition service activities in the congregate and
home-delivered meal programs in order to enhance the consumer's ability to remain independent.
5. Link eligible consumers to available community services.
6. Reduce consumer hunger and food insecurity.
7. Promote the health and well-being of consumers by increasing access to nutrition and other disease
prevention and health promotion services in order to delay the onset of adverse health conditions
resulting from poor nutritional health and sedentary behavior.
Eligibility for III C-1
Congregate meal (III C-1) eligibility includes any adult aged sixty and older (older adult).
Congregate meals may also be made available to:
Spouses of older adults;
Individuals with disabilities who have not attained sixty years of age but reside in a housing facility
occupied primarily by older adults at which congregate meals are served;
Volunteers who work during meal hours; and
Individuals with disabilities who reside in the home with and accompany older individuals who are
eligible under the OAA to congregate meal sites.
Eligibility for III C-2
Home-Delivered Meal (III C-2) eligibility includes any adult aged sixty and older (older adult) who both:
Is physically or mentally unable to obtain food or prepare meals, AND
Lacks support to have meals provided for them
Home-Delivered Meals may also be made available to:
Spouses of eligible older adults for home-delivered meals if receipt of the meal is in the best interest of
the eligible older adult; and
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Persons under sixty with disabilities who reside in non-institutional households with eligible older adults
for home-delivered meals if receipt of the meal is in the best interest of the eligible older adult.
Eligibility for OPTIONS/NFCSP
Eligibility for OPTIONS and NFCSP will be determined by GNRC and sent to the provider through a Provider
Authorization on the state-approved database.
Meal Composition Requirements
Meals will comply with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) published by the Secretary of
Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Agriculture and contain:
1. a minimum of 33 1/3 percent of the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) established by the Food and
Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, for the provision of
one meal daily (Table 1);
2. minimum of 66 2/3 percent of DRIs for the provision of two meals daily; and
3. 100 percent of DRIs for the provision of three meals daily.
Table 1: DRI Requirements for One Meal Daily1
Nutrient Amount Required Notes
(Averaged over one week)
Calories Between 675-735 calories No less than 625 calories per meal
Fat 30% of calories No meal may be more than 35% fat. Lards
may not be used. Limit trans fats.
Protein 15-25% of calories
Fiber 8g
Sodium 1000 mg No more than 1200 mg per meal
Calcium 400 mg No less than 360 mg per meal
Vitamin A 300 mcg (RE)
Vitamin B12 0.8 mcg No less than 0.72 mcg per meal
Vitamin C 30 mg No less than 27 mg per meal
Vitamin B6 0.6 mg No less than 0.54 mg per meal
Meal Cost and Match Requirements
Below are the maximum reimbursement rates, established by the SUA, which may not be exceeded. A lesser
amount should be billed and reimbursed if the provider's usual and customary charge to individuals not
participating in these programs is lower.
The reimbursement for congregate meals funded by Title III C-1 shall not exceed $7.35 per meal.
Hot or ready-to-eat home-delivered meals funded through Title III C-2, OPTIONS, or NFCSP shall not
exceed $8.15 per meal.
Frozen or shelf-stable home-delivered meals funded through Title III C-2, OPTIONS, or NFCSP shall not
exceed $7.15 per meal.
The local match requirement for III C is 10% and III E is 15%; all may be cash or in-kind. There is no match
requirement for state funds or Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP) resources.
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Computing Nutrition Costs
Offerors should consider the following factors when writing the initial and subsequent requests for funds from
the AAAD, as described in Section 2.1 of this RFP.
1. Food Costs: Include the cost of raw food. This also includes food purchased with NSIP funds.
2. Labor Costs - Food Preparation: Include the costs of all involved labor, including but not limited to food
preparation; cooking, and portioning bulk foods; and delivery of food to the site of service. Fringe
benefits should also be included.
3. Equipment Costs: Include the costs of capital items such as ranges, dishwashers, trucks and vans, steam
tables, freezers, etc.
4. Utility Costs: Include the costs of space and related utility costs incurred for food preparation, including
equipment operation costs and costs for maintenance and repair.
5. All Other Costs: Include the non-labor costs of transporting food, food storage, insurance, and general
liability. Also include the costs of serving supplies, disposables, cleaning materials, and all non-capital
items used in the preparation of food (paper goods, disposables, eating and serving utensils, detergents
and other cleaning supplies and equipment).
6. Delivery Costs: All costs associated with the delivery of the food, including, but not limited to,
transporting to a central area and costs associated with delivering the meal to the individual consumer.
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Section 2. Scope of Project
2.1 Provider Requirements
The GNRC is seeking providers with experience in providing nutrition services to older adults, adults with
disabilities, and their caregivers. Selection of an Offeror to receive a contract means that the Offeror will be
provided with the opportunity to become a GNRC Service Provider. Having a contract with GNRC does not
guarantee that services provided will automatically be eligible for reimbursement.
Minimum Qualifications
To be eligible for selection, Offerors must meet the following criteria:
1. Have submitted a proposal to GNRC in response to this RFP as instructed in Section 3 that
demonstrates:
a. Adequate staffing and training protocols for the service being proposed
b. Proposed service unit reimbursement rate below maximum allowable
c. Adequate financial capacity to sustain a reimbursement-based contract
2. Have all currently required licenses for the services being offered.
3. Are registered and in good standing with the Tennessee Secretary of State, if applicable.
Standards of Conduct
GNRC Service Providers must adhere to the following Standards of Conduct:
1. Federal and state funds provided through a contract with GNRC will be expended only for services
authorized by a contract with GNRC.
2. Services under this contract will be provided only to individuals who have been determined by GNRC to
meet eligibility criteria and are authorized to receive services (each such individual is referred to as a
"GNRC Client").
3. Treat GNRC Clients in a respectful and dignified manner, involve the GNRC Client and their caregivers in
the delivery of services, and provide services in a timely and safe manner.
4. GNRC Clients will not be denied or limited services because of their income or financial resources.
Distance from GNRC Service Provider will not be used to deny services as this practice violates the
mandate for special emphasis to rural residents, residents with disabilities, and isolated individuals.
5. Quality Assurance will be an ongoing process in which all entities including the SUA, AAAD, GNRC
Service Providers, and GNRC Clients will play a role.
6. No GNRC Service Provider will collect the Social Security number of any GNRC Client.
7. GNRC Service Providers will maintain efforts to solicit voluntary contributions and will not use OAA
nutrition funds to supplant funds earmarked for services to GNRC clients from nonfederal sources. No
GNRC Client will be denied services in the event they or their family cannot or do not wish to provide
voluntary contribution.
8. No GNRC Service Provider staff or volunteer will solicit or accept gratuities, favors, or anything of
monetary value from a GNRC Client, service provider by whom they are not employed, contractor, or
potential contractor.
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9. No GNRC Service Provider staff or volunteer will offer for sale any type of merchandise or service; nor
may they seek to encourage the acceptance of any particular belief or philosophy by any GNRC Client.
Program Requirements
Below are program requirements that GNRC Service Providers must agree to:
4. Maintain written job descriptions for staff and volunteer positions involved in direct service delivery and
maintain written personnel policies and wage scales for each job.
5. Assure that each paid or voluntary staff member meets minimum qualifications and training standards,
and require paid or voluntary staff members to participate in training relevant to their major job
responsibilities and in GNRC- and SUA-designated training when appropriate.
6. Implement a policy manual containing, at a minimum, the following information:
a. Denial or termination of services procedures
b. Fiscal management
c. Food service management
d. Safety and sanitation
e. Staff responsibilities
f. Organizational chart
7. Provide services to GNRC Clients according to GNRC service authorizations in a timely manner as
dictated by program requirements.
8. Designate a supervisor to ensure staff providing services are provided with professional supervision and
monitor the timeliness and quality of service delivery.
9. Service is managed by enough qualified and experienced staff with the Nutrition Director (or staff
person managing nutrition program) maintaining a current food safety certification.
10. Utilize the advice and expertise of a dietician, or similarly qualified individuals, aging nutrition
participants, and other individuals knowledgeable about the needs of adults aged sixty and older.
11. Provide services throughout the counties covered by this proposal five days per week.
12. Have procedures in place for the collecting and reporting of GNRC Client data and statements and
provide it to GNRC by the eighth day of the month following month being reported.
13. Provide nutrition education, outreach, and screening (as applicable) to each individual (home -
delivered meals) and/or group (congregate meals) and submit quarterly progress reports to GNRC.
14. Meals will comply with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) published by the
Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Agriculture.
15. Maintain safe, appropriate temperatures for meals and limit the amount of time meals spend in transit
before consumption.
16. Maintain a copy of all current Food Service Establishment Inspection Reports completed by state and
local health staff for each food preparation site and food service subcontractor, caterer, or provider
used in the nutrition program. Corrective actions recommended by state or local officials must be
resolved in a timely manner.
17. Follow GNRC procedures for reporting units of service and adjustment to units and charges for the
delivery of services in the event an error is identified.
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