Cafeteria Hood Cleaning and Safety Inspections

Cleveland County Schools Child Nutrition Program is issuing an informal Request for Proposal to procure cafeteria hood system cleaning and bi-annual safety inspection services for 29 school cafeterias across the district. All services must be performed between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on school days, with scheduling coordinated through the Director of Child Nutrition. Vendors must submit firm bids for the entire contract year with no escalator clauses, and all transportation and delivery charges must be fully prepaid by the supplier. The evaluation criteria include low bid consideration alongside vendor reputation, service delivery capabilities, past performance, warranty offerings, and total long-term cost. Bids are due by February 16, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., submitted to Cleveland County Schools Child Nutrition Programs at 400 West Marion Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150, Attention: Jamie Currier, Director. The contract period begins on or about July 1, 2026, and continues through June 30, 2027, with options for up to four additional one-year renewals available by mutual written agreement.

The procurement does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational types; however, all vendors must comply with federal regulations including Buy American provisions under 7 CFR 250, civil rights laws, the Lunsford Act requiring criminal background checks on employees, and USDA nondiscrimination requirements. Monthly statements must be submitted by the fifth of the following month, with payment issued after satisfactory delivery and acceptance of services. The contract is funded through the nonprofit school food service account, and all discounts, rebates, allowances, and incentives received from suppliers must be fully disclosed and returned to Cleveland County Schools. No incumbent vendors or specific budget range is identified in the procurement documentation. The School Food Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids, terminate contracts for non-performance with thirty days' written notice and opportunity to cure, and extend the contract period based on mutual agreement.