26RFP19 Food Services for the Williamson County Jail

Williamson County, Texas, is issuing Request for Proposals 26RFP19 for comprehensive food services at the Williamson County Jail, posted February 12, 2026, with a submission deadline of April 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The procurement seeks a qualified contractor to manage full food service operations for an average inmate population of 600 to 850 individuals on a seven-day-per-week basis, including all labor, food and beverage products, meal preparation and delivery, staffing, supervision, and facility maintenance. Key deliverables include a minimum of two hot meals daily totaling 2,500 calories per inmate, accommodation of medically prescribed diets and religious dietary needs, special holiday meals, a three-week certified menu cycle with nutritional analysis, and an employee micro market with self-service retail options. Mandatory qualifications require a minimum of five years of inmate food service experience at jail facilities and successful service to at least three similar-sized facilities, with respondents required to submit three current references from the past four years, a $50,000 performance bond, and comprehensive insurance coverage including $1,000,000 in commercial general liability. Evaluation criteria are weighted equally at 25 points each for menu quality, price per meal, experience, and compliance with specifications, with the County maintaining building structure and utilities while the contractor is responsible for kitchen equipment repair and maintenance up to an annual $75,000 cap. Site visits for kitchen equipment inspection are available by arrangement, and finalist interviews may be conducted at the County's discretion.

The RFP contains no identified set-aside designations or disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, though respondents must complete a Conflict of Interest Questionnaire and provide a Proposal Affidavit certifying compliance with multiple Texas Government Code provisions regarding boycotts of Israel, Iran, Sudan, foreign terrorist organizations, energy companies, and firearm industries, as well as non-debarment status. Respondents must submit cost-per-meal bids on a sliding fee scale based on average daily inmate population, with firm pricing for the initial contract period and subsequent annual adjustments calculated using local Consumer Price Index figures. The contract will be awarded for an initial four-year term with four one-year renewal options contingent on appropriation of funds, and the County has established an annual budget of $1,210,000 for this solicitation. No incumbent vendor or existing infrastructure integration requirements are identified in the solicitation materials. The County retains exclusive rights to conduct compliance audits, inspect operations, and terminate the contract for cause or convenience with 30 days' notice.