Phillips County Prepared Meals

The Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services' Office of State Procurement is soliciting bids for prepared meals for offenders at the Phillips County Detention Center through Solicitation S000000431. The contract requires the successful bidder to provide 80 breakfasts and 80 dinners daily, with potential scaling up to 106 meals per type, seven days a week, 365 days per year. Prospective contractors must have a minimum of three years' experience in similar food service, possess necessary business and food service licenses, and comply with FDA Food Code, Bioterrorism Act, and Arkansas Department of Corrections dietary guidelines. Contractors must maintain commercial liability insurance and workers' compensation, provide meals at specific temperatures, and pass background checks. The bid responses are due by July 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, with an anticipated contract start date of August 18, 2025. The initial contract term is one year, with potential renewals for up to six additional one-year terms, not to exceed a total of seven consecutive years.

The solicitation includes provisions for minority and women-owned business participation and requires contractors to certify they are not boycotting Israel, employing illegal immigrants, boycotting energy/fossil fuel/firearms industries, or using scrutinized companies as contractors. Contractors must complete a Contract and Grant Disclosure Form, revealing any current or former relationships with state government entities. The contract follows the Arkansas Department of Corrections Diet Manual, which provides comprehensive nutritional guidelines for various specialized diets, including regular, vegetarian, high calorie/high protein, and other medical-specific meal plans. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the solicitation anticipates 38,690 meals per year for each meal type (breakfast and dinner), with pricing to be submitted in U.S. dollars. The bid includes options for both pickup and delivery of meals, with delivery pricing considered optional and not used in initial cost determination. Prospective bidders must submit a comprehensive bid response packet, including a bid signature page, proposed subcontractors form, equal opportunity policy, and an official bid price sheet.