Page 1 Alliance College-Ready Public Schools Request for Proposal VENDED MEALS
Page 2 Statement of Purpose Alliance College Ready Public Schools invites all interested firms to submit qualified proposals in response to this Request for Proposal. This RFP documents the requirements for the procurement to provide the District with a proposal for providing vended meals to Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools hereinafter referred to as the District. Subject to the conditions prescribed, proposals are requested for the purpose of providing breakfasts, lunches, and/or snacks, hereinafter referred to as Meals, which meet the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Meal Supplements in the National School Lunch Program meal pattern requirements. Meals are required for the schools listed in Attachment B. If the proposal fails to conform to the essential requirements of the RFP, the District and the District alone will be the judge as to whether that variance is significant enough to consider the RFP non-responsive. Background Information Alliance College-Ready Public Schools is the largest nonprofit charter organization in Los Angeles, comprised of 26 free public charter high schools and middle schools serving more than 9,500 low-income students. Alliance employs the highest achievement standards and latest innovations in technology to prepare our students for success in college and future careers. Since our founding in 2004, more than 95% of Alliance graduates have gone on to college. Alliance's brand of high performing schools delivers a consistent educational environment and experience for students-preparing every student with the skills, experience, and knowledge to enter college. Definitions The term "Proposer" refers to those parties who are submitting proposals for the work set forth in this document. The term Contractor refers to the successful Proposer(s). The term "District" refers to Alliance College Ready Public Schools and 26 affiliated schools. Where the words shall or must are used, it signifies an absolute minimum function or capacity that, if not satisfied, may result in disqualification. Where the words should, may, or is desirable are used, it signifies desirable, but not mandatory functions or capacities.proposers who are able to provide these functions or capacities may be evaluated more favorably than those who cannot. General Information School List o See Appendix A RFP Due Date and Time o Proposal Due Date, is May 23, 2014_4pm pacific standard time
Page 3 RFP Delivery o Submit original signed copy of proposals to the following address. All proposals must be received by 4:00 PM on Friday, May 23, 2014. Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools Attn: Rooz Khosh 601 S. Figueroa St., 4th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90017 o No proposals will be received after 4:01 PM on May 23, 2013. Late Proposals o Proposals received by district after the date and time indicated may not be considered for contract award and shall be returned to the Proposer. RFC or Questions o During the proposal interval, Proposers shall contact Roozbeh Khoshniyat, Procurement Manager for clarification and questions regarding the RFP at rkhosh@laalliance.org. Responses or clarifications will be provided in written form. Proposal evaluation o Proposals submitted may be reviewed and evaluated by any person at owner's discretion. In submitting a proposal, the proposer understands that district will determine at its discretion which proposal, if any, is accepted. The proposer waives any right to claim damages of any nature whatsoever, based on the selection process. Including any communications associated with the selection, and the final selection of the successful proposer. o The district may contact a contractor to negotiate aspects of the proposal at the district s discretion. o District will select the highest scoring vendors according to the criteria defined below, up to a total of five vendors. The principal, of each school listed in appendix B, will choose one of these approved vendors to provide meals at his or her school. Evaluation/Award Process Evaluation Criteria o Price (30%) Proposals will be judged primarily on the per-meal cost of food. o Vendor Experience and Customer Service (20%) The DISTRICT seeks vendors that have demonstrated a consistent record of high quality customer service to schools. o Vendor Commitment to Provide Healthy Food Options (15%) The DISTRICT seeks proposals from vendors that are committed to providing healthy food to students. o Vendor Model to Eliminate Waste (20%) The DISTRICT seeks vendors who will partner with schools to reduce or eliminate money lost on food service. o Vendor Model to Increase Student Participation (15%) The DISTRICT seeks vendors who will partner with schools to provide the benefit of school meals to the maximum number of students.
Page 4 Repsonse Fromat o All proposals must include the following: Vendor Proposal Template (Appendix D ) 3 one week menus for each meal as an example of expected offerings. Offerings must be compliant with state and federal portion sizes and nutritional values. Weekly menu must demonstrate compliance with new NSLP meal pattern requirements (Calories, Trans Fats, Fruit and Vegetable servings, etc.) A copy of the vendor s current health permit for the facility at which meals will be prepared and food items stored. At least three school references (vendors currently serving a school listed in Attachment B are exempt from this requirement) Certification Regarding Lobbying (Appendix C) Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (Appendix C) Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility (Appendix C) Certificate of Independent Price Determination (Appendix C) Proof of General Liability insurance Proof TB test for all food handlers Proof of Back Ground check Incomplete proposals will not be accepted. DISTRICT reserves the right to waive any irregularities or to reject any or all proposals. Scope of Work o The Vendor will supply MEALS to the DISTRICT that comply with the nutrition standards established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the Traditional Food-based Menu Planning which is further described in Attachment A to this RFP. The vendor will prepare MEALS off-site (in a facility that maintains the appropriate state and local health certifications) and will package and deliver these MEALS in accordance with the food safety guidelines of the appropriate governing health departments. Vendors must submit with their proposal a copy of the current state and local health certifications. o DISTRICT will not pay for meals that are spoiled or unwholesome at time of delivery. o DISTRICT will select up to five approved vendors using the criteria defined below in Bid Evaluation Process. The principal of each school listed in Attachment B will choose one of these approved vendors to provide meals at his or her school. o DISTRICT requests that proposals clearly state options (server models, breakfast/lunch programs, etc.) on an À la carte basis so the DISTRICT can tailor proposal aspects to best meet the needs and goals of the DISTRICT. o DISTRICT requests an option for Breakfast in the Classroom, including a plan for implementation. o DISTRICT requests tier of prices based on the number of schools that may opt for a vendor. o DISTRICT asks, in an effort to reduce or waste due to unserved meals, that the VENDOR take primary responsibility in ordering the meals on a daily basis and that the VENDOR take primary responsibility for any unserved meals. The
Page 5 DISTRICT feels that this will create an incentive for the VENDOR to partner with the DISTRICT to achieve its goals of increased participation and reduce waste in the Food Program. o DISTRICT asks for the VENDOR to provide documentation that VENDOR will be compliant with new NSLP/SBP menu standards. VENDOR must provide three (3) weekly menus that demonstrate compliance with new NSLP menu pattern requirements. Non-compliance will result in bid disqualification. o DISTRICT asks that VENDOR assist, through meal packaging, in compliance with new requirements related to Offer vs. Serve. Vendor Responsibilities o Vendor will provide the necessary utensils and napkins in sufficient quantity for the number of meals ordered. o Vendor shall deliver meals to location(s) at times specified by district. o Vendor shall be responsible for the condition or care of meals until they are consumed. o Vendor shall be responsible for ordering meals on a daily basis, through consultation with the school staff, and shall be responsible for any waste (i.e. meals not served). o Vendor shall provide to district no later than two (2) weeks prior to the beginning of each month, a monthly menu covering the meals to be served for the following month. District staff shall have two weeks to review menu and return to vendor. o When requested by the district, the vendor shall provide district with sack lunches for field trips. All meals for field trips must meet the appropriate meal pattern requirements. o Vendor shall be responsible for maintaining the proper temperature of the lunch components until they are consumed. o Vendor shall maintain all necessary records on the nutritional components and quantities of the meals served at the district and make said records available for inspection by state and federal authorities upon request o Vendor shall maintain all necessary records pertaining to the receipt and use of USDA donated foods provided to the vendor by the district. o Vendor shall assume all liability for proper use and protection of commodities and materials necessary to prepare the meals while they are stored at the preparation site. o Vendor shall work with district staff to determine the order amounts to reduce over-ordering. This can be done on a daily or weekly basis. o Vendor will guarantee that district is getting a price not more than vendor has offered to other clients under similar circumstances. o Vendor will assist district in becoming compliant for additional meal reimbursement. o Vendor will guarantee compliance with new meal pattern standards. o Vendor will provide servers in sufficient quantities based on the needs of meal service. o Vendor servers will be responsible for serving meals, cleaning the serving and eating areas, and assembling transport carts and auxiliary items for pick up by the vendor. o Vendor will invoice meals to the district and its schools on a monthly basis.
Page 6 DISTRICT RESPONSIBILITIES o The SCHOOL shall notify the VENDOR of the number of sack lunches needed by the end of business day proceeding the day that sack lunches will be required. o The DISTRICT shall not pay for meals that are spoiled or unwholesome at time of delivery this includes meals delivered outside the safe temperature range. o The DISTRICT will only pay for meals served to students and adults. o The vendor s food service program must also meet the following criteria: NSLP/SBP compliant MEALS (all MEALS must be eligible for state and federal reimbursement) NSLP/SBP menu recordkeeping and planning necessary to receive reimbursements Fresh fruit and vegetable with every MEAL. Propose Response The Proposal Certification must be filled out in its entirety. Failure to answer any questions, or provide information required in the proposal document may subject the entire proposal to rejection. Questions concerning capabilities that cannot be provided by the proposed system must be responded to with the answer not available, not applicable, or other appropriate statements. Cross-references to standard documents, as answers to the proposal document s questions are not acceptable. The inability to meet a required feature or service will not invalidate the proposal, but will be weighed in the final evaluation. Proposer shall submit separate quotes for every school and fill out Attachment A and submit to District.