Kosher Certification ITN 260000000033.docx

Michigan.gov/MiProcurement

Michigan.gov/MiProcurement

NOTICE OF INTENT TO NEGOTIATE AND CONTRACT WITH A SINGLE PROVIDER

Date: 7/27/2026 The State of Michigan intends to make a purchase for which it believes there is no viable alternative. The purpose of this notice is to attempt to identify possible alternatives.

Requestor: Michigan Department of Corrections

1. State Contact Information:

The sole point of contact concerning this Invitation to Negotiate is:

Scott Kerstetter, Solicitation Manager 517-335-0408 KerstetterS@michigan.gov

2. Description of Purchase:

Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) currently operates 26 correctional facilities with kitchens that provide 3 meals a day for its prisoner populations. Of these 26 facilities, 20 have been designated to also maintain a “Religious” kitchen with one facility maintaining two religious kitchens for a total of 21 kitchens. These 21 religious kitchens have been certified as Kosher since 2019 or from the time they were converted to provide Kosher meals.

The Contractor must provide Kosher Kitchen Certification to all designated MDOC facilities throughout the State of Michigan including the UP that are identified as “religious kitchens” by MDOC. Contractor will provide ongoing services to MDOC to ensure certification is continuous for the length of the resulting contract. Contractor will provide documentation of services and certification that MDOC will use to show compliance with court rulings. Contractor will provide depositions or may be required to testify on behalf of MDOC regarding Kosher Kitchen Certification and services provided to MDOC. Contractor will provide certification based on Jewish Religious Practices and the following requirements:

A. A yearly inspection at every identified MDOC facility.

B. A schedule must be developed for inspection dates, locations, and times.

C. Develop and provide a Site Review Form (Kosher Facility Audit Checklist) that identifies what will be reviewed during each religious kitchen certification process and the criteria used that will determine a passing score / review.

D. Explain and educate MDOC staff on what Kosher is and how to maintain a Kosher Kitchen.

E. Explain and educate MDOC staff on rules/regulations (outside food, cleaning processes, etc.).

F. Make recommendations on processes and maintaining Kosher Kitchens.

G. Meet with the Food Service Director at each identified MDOC facility to review processes and answer any site-specific questions.

H. Educate MDOC staff on Kosher practices and standards as needed.

I. Help with developing signage as needed.

J. Review MDOC’s products/ingredients and provide consultation when needed to MDOC staff.

K. Review MDOC’s meal service processes including when food leaves the kitchen and is delivered to housing units to ensure Kosher standards are met and provide recommendations as needed.

L. Review MDOC’s training materials and guidelines and provide comments and recommendations as needed.

M. Certify all identified MDOC kitchens as Kosher Certified Kitchens.

N. Provide detailed notes after review of kitchens with recommendations to meet certification.

O. Provide ongoing consultation to MDOC between certification years.

P. Provide follow-up visits to MDOC facilities that have changes in Food Service staff (i.e. Food Service Directors).

Q. Provide “spot checks” or follow ups as needed for MDOC to maintain Kosher Kitchen certification.

R. Respond within 2 business days to any questions on Kosher processes/practices from MDOC staff.

S. Testify or provide deposition on behalf of MDOC regarding certified Kosher Kitchens and services provided to MDOC; and T. Provide certification to any new facility or religious kitchen identified by MDOC during the term of the resulting contract.

Kosher Michigan LLC is the sole entity that provides Conservative certification while meeting all applicable requirements. All other entities provide Orthodox certifications, which impose standards exceeding those necessary for public institutions and surpassing the requirements established in the court settlement. Considering historical bid data, industry feedback, and current market research, MDOC seeks to establish a contract with Kosher Michigan LLC, as they are the only provider in Michigan able to fulfill both the litigation settlement terms and MDOC’s operational needs.

3. Commodity Code References:

961-45

4. Description of Action:

There will be a new contract awarded with the current Contractor that provides current certifications (MA 220000000600)

5. Intended Source:

Kosher Michigan LLC 5657 W. Maple Road Suite B West Bloomfield, MI 48322 Rabbi Jason Miller, 248-535-7090, Miller@koshermichigan.com

Questions:

Questions concerning the Invitation to Negotiate must be emailed to the Solicitation Manager listed above by 3pm EST July 30th 2026. In the interest of transparency, only written questions will be accepted. Answers to questions will be posted on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS.

Responders should submit their questions using the following format:

6. Response Deadline:

Any potential bidder who does not agree that this good or service is available only from the intended source, must submit a response to the Solicitation Manager by 3:00 pm EST 8/5/2026. Your response must be in writing and describe the product or service you are offering as an equivalent.

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