Food Service Management Company Service Program

The Parkway School District in Missouri is soliciting proposals from Food Service Management Companies (FSMCs) to operate the district's food service program through a sealed-bid procurement process conducted via the Parkway School District Bonfire Portal. The solicitation encompasses the operation of various child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Seamless Summer Option, After-School Snack Program, Child & Adult Care Food Program, Special Milk Program, and Summer Food Service Program, with the specific programs selected by the district. The FSMC contractor will be responsible for all food costs, labor, contracted services, transportation, and nonfood expenses including paper supplies, cleaning materials, uniforms, and insurance; the contractor must submit pricing using either a per-meal administrative and management fee structure (Option A) or a flat-fee monthly arrangement (Option B), both subject to Consumer Price Index adjustments at contract renewal. The initial contract term is one year with potential renewal options not to exceed four additional years, terminating on June 30, 2027, with the district retaining the right to extend the agreement for one additional month and the ability to discontinue the contract with 30 days written notice. Evaluation of bids will be based on the "lowest and best" bid considering factors such as how well items meet specifications, vendor ability to supply required items, commitment to maintain sufficient inventory, prior district-vendor history, financial strength, and other factors deemed significant by district officials. Proposals are due by June 26, 2026, with a mandatory pre-proposal meeting that includes facility walk-throughs and specific dates to be determined by the district; the state agency mandates a minimum two-week review period before contract execution. Qualified bidders must register through the Bonfire Portal and submit sealed bids by the specified deadline with no exceptions for late submissions, and all bids must be accompanied by an Affidavit of Non-Collusion and properly executed documentation.

The procurement includes several mandatory compliance requirements that restrict bidder eligibility and require specific certifications. All contractors awarded contracts exceeding $5,000 must demonstrate enrollment and active participation in the E-Verify program and provide a sworn Federal Work Authorization Program Affidavit affirming they do not knowingly employ unauthorized aliens. Additionally, contracts exceeding $100,000 with companies employing 10 or more persons must include a completed and notarized Affidavit of Compliance with the Missouri Anti-Discrimination Against Israel Act, certifying that the company is not engaged in and will not engage in boycotts of Israeli goods or services. The procurement emphasizes affirmative steps to include small, minority, and women-owned businesses in the contracting process, though no specific set-asides are designated. Bidders must provide three educational institution references, obtain district approval for any subcontractors, maintain appropriate insurance coverage, comply with OSHA safety requirements, and adhere to all nondiscrimination laws. The district is tax-exempt and will furnish official state tax exemption certificates to contractors. No specific budget range or award value is listed in the solicitation documents; however, pricing will be evaluated as the primary award factor based on actual meals served, with invoicing occurring either weekly or monthly and payment due within 30 days.