Amendment 2 RFP260923 03-09-26.pdf

Brad Morgan Nancy Haines

Superintendent of Schools Business Manager bmorgan@nmrsd.org nhaines@nmrsd.org

Tel. 978-597-8713 Tel. 978-597-8713

March 9, 2026

Amendment #2

FY26-923 Food Service Management Contract

Prebid Attendees - Attached

Notes

RFP DUE DATE: There is a discrepancy between the RFP and the Legal Notice about the due date of the bid - the official due date is Monday, March 23, 2026, at 1.00pm

Food Samples: Food samples will not be accepted as we will not have the proper protocols to evaluate them fairly.

Gateway Program Coffee: We operate a Special Education program for 18-22 year old students ( the

Gateway program). These students run a limited cafe program and will bake goods and bring them around for teachers or staff to buy (not available to students). This serves as a teaching moment for those students and provides them with opportunities for social interaction. We would like this program to be allowed to continue and not be considered a competitive program to the existing general food service contract. The students operate the “Gateway Cafe” at most once a week and do not generate anything approaching significant revenue.

Submitted Questions:

1. Where are the Exhibits located?

With the new DESE template, Exhibits A-I were not included in their final document, and were sent out as separate attachments with the original response. Exhibits J, K, and L were not applicable to this RFP. Exhibits M and N are in the DESE RFP document, beginning on page 55.

19 Main Street, Townsend, MA 01469 | TEL: 978-597-8713 | EXT. 1200 | FAX: 978-597-6534 | www.nmrsd.org

The North Middlesex Regional School District does not discriminate in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in, its services, programs, and activities, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, homelessness, or age.

mailto:bmorgan@nmrsd.org mailto:nhaines@nmrsd.org

2. How long was the contract that is ending?

The previous contract was a one-year contract with four renewals, which is the same as this request for proposal.

3. When did the district begin outsourcing food service contracts?

The first contract of privatized food service went into effect August 31, 2010.

4. Does the district expect any capital improvements from the prospective vendor?

No, any equipment upgrades would fall under the responsibility of the school district

5. Who owns the vehicles?

The school district does not own any vehicles directly related to food service management, although district vehicles may be used in the transportation of equipment when necessary.

6. What does the district have for central storage facilities?

The district does not have any central storage facilities.

7. Who is responsible for pest control in kitchens?

Pest control is handled internally by the district.

8. Is there a functioning hood in the kitchen at Squannacook?

Yes, the kitchen has been upgraded to meet current needs, apart from the walk-ins which we plan to work on and hope to have fully functional by the beginning of the 2026-27 school year.

9. Who handles oven repair?

The district is responsible for the repair of the ovens.

10.How many high school students leave via the Open Campus privilege?

Students must be approved to leave, and it is confined to the senior class. According to the principal, on the nice days a max of 20% of the class (25-30 students). During the winter months, almost no students leave.

19 Main Street, Townsend, MA 01469 | TEL: 978-597-8713 | EXT. 1200 | FAX: 978-597-6534 | www.nmrsd.org

The North Middlesex Regional School District does not discriminate in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in, its services, programs, and activities, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, homelessness, or age.

11. Can you please confirm whether all bidders are expected to include the cost of these benefits within their financial proposal?

Yes - please see p.47 of the RFP which includes other payroll costs, employee fringe benefits.

For clarification purposes, there are currently seven full-time employees utilizing healthcare and dental benefits.

12.Which schools use compostable trays?

The following types of trays are what are currently being used at each school:

Squannacook - reusable

Spaulding - reusable

Varnum Brook - reusable

Hawthorne Brook - compostable

Nissitissit - compostable

North Middlesex (high school) - compostable

13.Will NMRSD accept Electronic Signatures on documents?

Under G.L. c. 110G, § 7, the district will accept electronic signatures on documents.

Thank you, Nancy Haines

Business Manager

19 Main Street, Townsend, MA 01469 | TEL: 978-597-8713 | EXT. 1200 | FAX: 978-597-6534 | www.nmrsd.org

The North Middlesex Regional School District does not discriminate in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in, its services, programs, and activities, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, homelessness, or age.