All correspondence must be made through the Vendor Portal. Specifications include, but are not limited to: A kitchen inspection will be conducted by the DHS Nutritionist and other program staff prior to the formal award. II. Capacity- All bidders must have all the following in order to be eligible to bid: A. A meal preparation facility that meets the sanitation requirements of local and Federal rules and regulations as well as having a health permit and all other required licenses. B. Building facilities that promote the easy transfer of meal carriers from the food preparation site to the Department of Human Services vehicle. If building facilities are not sufficient, then the bidder must demonstrate the availability of adequate equipment (e.g., sturdy dollies, lifts, etc.), that will allow such a transfer to occur. C. The ability to purchase equipment (i.e., food carriers, coolers, etc.) used to transport the meals by the Nutrition Program staff within 4 weeks of being awarded the contract. See Appendix 2. It is the responsibility of the successful bidder to clean and sanitize the carriers daily or more often if needed. The equipment will be open to inspection by DHS and shall be kept in good repair. D. A Registered Dietitian who is able to assist with preparation and review of menus and who will administer his or her signature of approval to the submitted menus. If a Registered Dietitian cannot be procured, the following alternatives are acceptable: a. An individual who has a certificate/degree in Nutrition or an associated subject of study from an identifiable program, completed within the past 5 years. b. An individual who has been working in the Food Service industry for over 2 years with verifiable knowledge of meal planning. NOTE: To be able to use any of the alternatives the successful bidder must provide documented proof of their search efforts to obtain a Registered Dietitian and the reason one could not be procured. E. Capability to prepare the number of meals specified at the designated time. Proof of capability must include at least two letters of reference indicating meal preparation experience germane to this contract. F. Food handlers’ cards for all those who will be involved in handling/preparing food items, no matter how minimal the task.
