Phillips County Prepared Meals Rebid

The State of Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services is soliciting bids for prepared meals for the Phillips County Detention Center located in Helena, Arkansas. The procurement requires a food service contractor to provide 80 breakfasts and 80 dinners daily, with potential scaling up to 106 meals per category. Contractors must be located within 20 miles of the detention center and possess a minimum of three years' experience in similar food service operations. Mandatory qualifications include maintaining necessary business and food service licenses, complying with FDA Food Code, the Bioterrorism Act of 2002, and adhering to the Arkansas Department of Corrections Diet Manual. Meal preparation requires specific delivery temperatures, with breakfasts ready by 6:30 AM and dinners by 4:30 PM daily. The bid is due on October 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Central Time, with an anticipated contract start date of November 24, 2025. The initial contract term is one year, with potential for up to six additional one-year renewals, not exceeding seven consecutive years.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must complete several mandatory certifications, including affirming they do not boycott Israel, knowingly employ illegal immigrants, boycott specific industries, or employ scrutinized companies. The successful vendor will be required to conduct background checks, maintain PREA compliance, and carry commercial liability and workers' compensation insurance. While specific budget ranges are not directly stated, the official solicitation price sheet allows for pricing both pickup and delivery meal options, with an estimated annual meal volume of 77,380 meals. Contractors must submit a comprehensive bid response packet, including a bid signature page, proposed subcontractors form, equal opportunity policy, and an official bid price sheet. The contract emphasizes compliance with state laws, rules, and executive orders, and requires an authorized signature signifying agreement with all solicitation requirements.