SFA Response to RFP Questions

Who is your current meal vendor?

Fresh Start is our current meal vendor.

What is the reason for issuing this RFP- early renewal or mandatory bid cycle?

Our Community School has been working collaboratively with Fresh Start on the menu selection and variety for a few years.  The parents have reported not being satisfied with the meals. We asked for a food tasting and input from our students on menu selection, but we are still not satisfied with the end product.  Additionally, we have our WASC mid-cycle review and our Charter Renewal, so we did not want to go through the process at the same time as these milestones.   Additionally, our community as a whole is ready for a change. We have remained with the current vendor for nearly eight years.  

OVS or serve only?

OVS

What Price are you currently paying?

Breakfast = $2.48 per meal

Lunch = $3.53 per meal

Can the SFA clarify the division of responsibilities between the two existing SFA food service staff and the FSMC-provided server, including supervision and scheduling?

The SFA Food Service staff consists of the Food Service Director and a food service clerk.  The Food Service Director is responsible for overseeing the meal program and is the direct contact for the FSMC, while the food service clerk is responsible for selecting the menu, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the meal program, and is the point of contact for the FSMC provided server.

Can the SFA provide information regarding the existing kitchen equipment and storage capacity available at the site?

Our existing equipment consists of a Beverage Air HR Refrigerator and an Alto-Shaam 1000-TH-I Full Height Cook and Hold Oven.  We have some storage capacity available in the kitchen but it is a shared space.

Can the SFA provide expected delivery days, times, hot ready to serve or heat on site?

The SFA expects delivery Monday through Friday at 8:00 am for breakfast and by 10:40 am for lunch. At this time, meals should be hot and ready to serve; however, we may transition to on-site heating depending on the RFP outcome. (This is subject to change.) 

Are you open the day before delivery?

At this time, we can only accommodate the day before delivery if the item is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration.

Will the SFA receive and allocate USDA Foods entitlement?

The SFA does not receive or allocate USDA Food entitlement.

What equipment is currently owned by the school or provided by your vendor? 

The SFA currently owns a Beverage-Air HR Refrigerator and an Alto-Shaam 1000-TH-I Full Height Cook and Hold Oven.

Are we able to leave cambros or ice chests overnight for next day pickup?

Yes, Cambros and/or ice chests may be left overnight for next-day pick up.

Are you able to provide the electrical capabilities for the kitchen?

There is one outlet designated for the heating unit and another for the refrigerator.

What is the current per-meal price paid to the incumbent? Please provide any additional pricing or add on costs.

Breakfast = $2.48 per meal

Lunch = $3.53 per meal

Are servers included in your price per meal?

No, the server cost is a separate charge.  We are currently paying $26.54 per hour for our server costs.  Our server is currently on site for 4 hours a day.

Based on your current enrollment numbers, the percentage of students qualifying for free and reduced meals, and our historical participation data, the meal counts appear to be lower than expected. Could you provide some insight into why the counts are so low?

We are aware of this, and our students/families do not like the current meal offerings.  The meal choices do not take into account the variety and diversity of ethnic food options.  

Is there secure storage space available for shelf-stable items, including whole fruits, utensils, trays, and condiments?

There is secure storage space for shelf-stable items, utensils, trays, condiments, and whole fruits.

Are there any special requirements for accessing the school site during delivery (e.g., security check-in, parking restrictions, designated delivery doors)?

All visitors and deliveries are to be made through the front gate.  Upon arrival, delivery drivers are buzzed in and then directed to the kitchen.  The server will be buzzed in, directed to the office to sign in, and then proceed to the kitchen.

Is there a process for confirming successful delivery (e.g., signature required, staff check-in, or photo confirmation)?

Our current process is for school staff to sign the transportation sheet once quantities have been verified.

Are there any restrictions or requirements regarding vehicle size or unloading zones?

The school is in a residential neighborhood.  There are no loading or unloading zones.  Deliveries are made on the street in front of the school.

Are there specific dietary restrictions or allergen considerations we should be aware of? 

We have families that do not eat meat or dairy products, so we ask that this be taken into consideration when planning vegetarian options for our students.   We are not a nut-free campus.  We would like our families to have access to your menu and ingredient information so they can make informed decisions when selecting meals in advance.  

Are there specific food safety certifications or documentation the school requires? 

Nothing outside of the current requirements and regulations. 

Are there specific menu requirements, such as the number of choices, hot/cold breakfast options, vegetarian selections, or designated third-party pizza days?

We are open to all suggestions.  We appreciate a variety of options that are healthy, fresh, and appealing to eat.    Our students do like both hot/cold breakfast.   We must have vegetarian options or alternatives for both breakfast and lunch.  We are also open to third-party pizza days, if permissible. We would need more information on this. 

What do you hope to gain and improve from a change in dining provider?  

We hope to improve our meal counts and ensure students can look forward to eating school lunch again. We are also looking for consistency, reliability, collaboration, communication, customer service, and a partnership. 

What is the earliest and latest delivery window that meals can be delivered?

The breakfast delivery window is between 8:00 and 8:45 am, and the lunch delivery window is between 10:30 and 11:00 am. (This is subject to change).

Do you require a nut and shellfish-free kitchen facility to prepare the meals?

We do not require a nut and shellfish-free kitchen to prepare the meals.