2526CCAFSMC

Liberty Classical Schools Educational Services, Inc. dba Cherokee Classical Academy is seeking a Food Service Management Company (FSMC) through Request for Proposal 2526CCAFSMC to operate its School Nutrition Program for the upcoming academic year. The procurement is specifically for a vendor to provide comprehensive food services for a public charter school located in Cherokee County, Georgia, serving grades K-6 with a projected enrollment of 520 students and plans to expand to K-12 over six years. The contract term will run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with potential renewal for up to four additional one-year terms. Key deliverables include preparing and serving meals that meet USDA nutritional guidelines, implementing a 21-day cycle menu, and providing off-site food preparation with meal delivery to the school. The pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for June 6, 2025, at 9:00 am, with proposals due by June 22, 2025, at 3:00 pm. Vendor qualifications include ServSafe certification, compliance with Buy American provisions (ensuring 51% domestic food products), and ability to operate with limited existing food service equipment.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The school currently has minimal food service infrastructure, including a walk-in cooler, heated holding cabinet, reach-in refrigerator, steam table, serving table, milk cooler, and three sinks. Meal pricing is fixed at $4.49 for paid meals and $0.40 for reduced-price meals, which suggests a relatively modest budget for food service operations. The selected FSMC will be responsible for all aspects of meal preparation, service, and compliance with federal and state school nutrition program regulations. While no specific award value is listed, the contract appears to be structured as a fixed-meal rate contract with potential for multi-year renewal. The successful vendor must demonstrate expertise in school nutrition management, food safety protocols, and the ability to provide nutritionally balanced meals that meet federal guidelines for a growing charter school population.