Cafeteria Food Service Space Available in Secure & Populated State Building in Jamestown

The California Department of General Services, on behalf of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, is requesting proposals for cafeteria food service operations at Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown, with proposals due September 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. and a mandatory walk-through on August 20, 2026. This is a five-year lease commencing in 2026 with month-to-month renewal thereafter; no set-aside or preference program is identified.

The scope requires a cafeteria operator to provide made-to-order, live food service with cash and cashless payment options, serving approximately 1,068 CDCR employees. The operator must deliver breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, beverages, and grab-and-go items daily, with minimum operating hours Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and desired extended hours up to 24 hours. Required menu offerings include gluten-free options, wraps, salads, free-range eggs, and reduced trans-fat and sodium selections. The operator must establish control over all aspects of the food service operation, provide weekly specials, and offer phone-ahead ordering, internet ordering, and phone-application-based pickup — the latter two desired but not mandatory. Catered services are optional. The leased premises comprises 2,520 square feet including kitchen, prep areas, storage, and dining space. The operator must comply with all California health and safety codes, LEED sustainability standards prohibiting Styrofoam, organic waste diversion programs, and CDCR regulations including tuberculosis testing, background clearance, Prison Rape Elimination Policy compliance, and security clearance. All personnel require food handler certifications.

Monthly rent is $75.60 with estimated utilities of $126.00. Bidders must demonstrate minimum liquid assets of $10,000 or provide a letter of credit, along with a cover letter, legal documentation, resume, and three professional references. Proposals are evaluated on a 1,000-point scale: clarity and organization (50 points), business plan including labor practices and sanitation protocols (400 points), resume and qualifications (200 points), and operating plan with menu selections (350 points). Questions are due August 27, 2026, and award is anticipated for September 17, 2026.