RFP PUR 27-030 Scratch Cooking Partner Program

Prince George's County Public Schools Department of Purchasing & Supply Services is requesting proposals for a Scratch Cooking Partner Program to transition 36 base-year schools from heat-and-serve to scratch cooking models with fresh, minimally processed foods and salad bars, under RFP PUR 27-030, with proposals due October 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET. An MBE goal of 15% applies based on total contract dollar value including all renewal option terms.

The scope encompasses seven major task categories: kitchen conversion and readiness assessments using a 29-point evaluation standard; culinary leadership and onsite coaching from a Program Executive Chef and minimum four Culinary Implementation Chefs; menu and recipe development with K-12 standardization and USDA compliance; salad bar and fresh produce program implementation with standard operating procedures and cold storage setup; staff training and capacity building including train-the-trainer instruction; student taste testing and acceptance protocols targeting an 80 percent participation standard with 100+ student tasting panels; and a December 2026 district public kickoff and rollout support event with live cooking demonstrations and community tasting stations. Minimum onsite support expectations include at least two chef-support days per week during initial rollout, reducing to one visit per week once operations stabilize.

Key staffing positions require defined experience: Program Executive Chef/Project Director (10+ years culinary management), Culinary Implementation Chef (5+ years commercial/scratch kitchen experience), Training/Operations Specialist (5+ years SOP and food safety training), and Data/Program Support Specialist (3+ years analytics and survey tracking). All base-year pricing must be firm and fixed for the full contract term, including labor, fringe benefits, overhead, profit, travel, equipment, materials, and incidentals. PGCPS retains sole authority over approval and funding of recommended equipment or capital improvements and does not guarantee exercise of any option year. The contract includes three optional 12-month renewal periods during which the District may expand to additional schools. A pre-proposal conference is scheduled for September 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. ET via Zoom. Questions are due October 2, 2026, at 11 a.m. ET. Contractors must submit detailed financial statements for the past two calendar years and demonstrate financial stability.