To: Michael Green, Superintendent
From: Stacy Brown, Director of Business Services
Date: July 19, 2022
RE: Food Service Management Bid Approval
The 21-22 school year was our 5th and final year under the second 5-year contract with Sodexo. We were required to issue an RFP (Request for Proposal) for the district food service program. We issued the RFP in March and received 2 bids, Sodexo and Southwest Food Excellence (SFE). The review committee included me, one building Administrator, and at least one representative from each kitchen.
The RFP included a scoring rubric to be used when reviewing the bids. I also visited an SFE District in Pueblo, CO (I was already there for my niece’s graduation and extended my trip for one day), since SFE does not have any local districts. The scores for the 2 companies were very close, with 4 people leaning toward Sodexo and 3 leaning toward SFE, but in the end, I am recommending that we stay with Sodexo.
Our current Sodexo contract covers Sodexo staffing for full management of the program, with the exception of managing the district employees. Sodexo manages the day-to-day operations of the program, while the district provides management of the employees including any personnel issues and annual evaluations. Per RCW, food service management contracts are based on a per meal fee and also include a guarantee. The 21-22 price per meal was $2.26 and the 22-23 price per meal will be $2.16.
I am currently working with Sodexo to provide the 22-23 contract, which must be approved by Sodexo legal. In addition, it must be approved by OSPI before it is to be approved by the board. The contract approval will be included as an action item for approval in August.
Administrative Recommendation /MOTION/ " I move to approve Sodexo as the winning bidder for the 22-23 school year."