Ethos Classical SY24 Food Service

Ethos Classical Charter School in Atlanta, Georgia is requesting proposals for food service management to operate the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the 2023–24 school year, with proposals due May 3, 2023. The original RFP received no responsive bids and is being reissued; this summary reflects the reissued procurement.

A mandatory pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for April 10, 2023 at 1:30 PM, offered both in-person and via Microsoft Teams. Written questions are due April 13, 2023 at 5:00 PM. Proposal opening is May 3, 2023 at 12:00 PM via Microsoft Teams.

The scope covers comprehensive food service management under a fixed meal price contract structure beginning July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, with renewal options for up to four additional one-year terms. Potential expansion includes the After-School Care Program, Seamless Summer Option, and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Proposers must submit three meal samples (one cold breakfast, one ready-to-heat lunch, and one complete day-one lunch) drawn from provided 21-day menu cycles and propose fixed rates per meal for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and a la carte items, assuming no USDA commodity foods are available.

The School Food Authority retains ultimate control of the nonprofit food service account and all purchasing authority. The selected Food Service Management Company (FSMC) is responsible for operations, meal preparation, staff management, and compliance with 7 CFR Parts 210, 220, 245, and 250. Annual revenues are projected at $348,700, comprised of $233,700 in NSLP reimbursement and $115,000 in SBP reimbursement, plus $17,983.12 in estimated commodity value.

Evaluation weighs cost at 30 points (highest priority), service capability plan at 20 points, and experience, references, food samples, business practices, accounting systems, personnel management, innovation, program promotion, and involvement components for the remainder of 100 total points. Proposers must hold current Georgia licensure, demonstrate financial stability with CPA-prepared financial statements, and show comparable school nutrition program experience. The FSMC will purchase beginning inventory from the school under the fixed-price structure. Award is pending State Agency approval.