25-0289-RFP Emergency Feeding Services

Pinellas County Government is seeking qualified firms to provide emergency feeding services through Request for Proposal (RFP) 25-0289, with proposals due on February 27, 2025. The primary objective is to secure on-demand feeding capabilities during emergency events, with potential service requirements ranging from 12 to 24 hours per day at two primary food preparation sites: the County Emergency Operations Center in Largo and the Public Works Emergency Response Building in Clearwater. Contractors must be prepared to provide up to four nutritionally balanced meals daily, serving between 700-1,215 meals across three locations during emergency activations, with requirements including USDA-approved meat products, food safety standards, and options for vegetarian and gluten-free meals. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on vendor references, meal preparation capabilities, pricing structure, and demonstrated experience in large-scale emergency feeding operations. The contract will have an initial 60-month term with a potential 24-month extension, allowing for annual price adjustments up to 5% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. Vendors must also be prepared to maintain backup food suppliers, remain on-premises during extended events, and comply with FEMA grant requirements, as emergency events may qualify for federal reimbursement.

While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the RFP implies a competitive procurement process open to multiple vendors, with the potential for one or more firms to be awarded contracts. The county does not guarantee a minimum number of orders due to the sporadic nature of emergency events. The contract includes comprehensive FEMA grant provisions requiring compliance with federal regulations, including equal employment opportunity standards, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act adherence, and Clean Air Act compliance. Potential contractors must provide detailed company information, including years in operation, business address, employee count, and at least four references from local commercial or governmental entities where similar contract services have been performed. Although specific budget ranges are not disclosed, the contract structure suggests a flexible, as-needed pricing model with per-meal rates and additional line items for beverages, snacks, and delivery fees. Contractors must demonstrate the capability to rapidly deploy emergency feeding services with significant logistical and nutritional requirements, indicating a complex and potentially high-value procurement opportunity.