RFI York Cook Chill Consultation Services.docx

Request for Information (RFI) Consultation and Review of the CT Department of Correction Niantic Cook Chill Operation

RFI Number: DOC27GS0002AA Issue Date: October 26, 2026 Response Due Date: November 16, 2026 @ 2:00 pm Contact Information Name: Tracie Gadrow Title: Associate Fiscal Administrative Officer Organization: CT Department of Correction Email: Tracie.Gadrow@ct.gov Phone: 860-692-7653

1. Introduction and Purpose The Connecticut Department of Correction Production Kitchen, located at York Correctional Institution in Niantic CT, is looking for information regarding consultation services for the purpose of evaluating and streamlining their processes, equipment, and training in order to optimize efficiency in the program.

Interested responders should be prepared to provide a Teams demonstration of their products and/or services.

This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a formal procurement solicitation at this time.

2. Scope of Information Requested

The desired solution should support the following operational and technical requirements:

· Needs Assessment and Facility Audit

· Evaluate current production processes, identify redundancies, and determine equipment requirements

· System Design and Layout Planning

· Design a central commissary or cook-chill line layout optimized for high-volume, multi-location operations

· Equipment Selection and Sizing

· Recommend and size essential equipment (combi-oven, blast chiller, packaging systems, cold chain storage) based on production volume and food type

· Process Development

· Create standardized recipes, portioning, packaging, and reheating protocols to ensure consistent quality and safety

· Food Safety and HACCP Integration

· Incorporate food safety practices, cold chain management, and compliance with local and regional regulations

· Staff Training

· Train kitchen and operations staff on new processes, equipment use, and safety protocols

· Inventory and Supply Chain Planning

· Develop a 30-day shelf-life inventory strategy and supplier coordination for bulk ingredients

3. Respondent Deliverables

· Written Cook-Chill Production Plan with process flow diagrams

· Equipment specifications and respondent recommendations

· Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for production, storage and reheating

· Training materials and session records

· Post-Implementation review and optimization recommendations

· Additional Consultant Responsibilities:

· Lead the design, implementation and training process

· Ensure system meets operational goals and food safety standards

· Provide ongoing support for the first 3-6 months post-implementation

4. Agency Deliverables

· Provide access to facilities and key personnel

· Approve designs, equipment and training materials

· Ensure compliance with food safety regulations

· All work will be done in compliance with current FDA Food Code

5. Respondent Qualifications and Experience

· Company or organization overview

· Relevant experience and capabilities

· Similar projects or engagements

· Certifications, licenses, and qualifications

· Key personnel and available resources

Customer References Provide at least three customers with similar deployments including:

· Organization

· Industry

· Number of users

· Length of deployment

· Contact information (if permitted)