City of East Palo Alto Congregate Meal Catering Services RFP 2026
City of East Palo Alto, City of East Palo Alto, CA·City
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- Primary Contact
- Maurice Baker
- Contract Term
- 3 years
- Scope Location
- East Palo Alto, CA
- Submission Address
- [email protected]
SUMMARY
The City of East Palo Alto is soliciting proposals for its Congregate Meal Program to provide nutritious catered meals for older adults at the East Palo Alto Senior Center. The selected vendor will be responsible for preparing approximately 20-25 lunches per day, five days a week (Monday-Friday), totaling an estimated 5,000-6,000 annual meals. Scope includes meal preparation in a licensed commercial facility, menu planning with cultural responsiveness (African-American, Latino/Hispanic, Pacific Islander), dietary accommodations (low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, etc.), delivery between 10:30-11:15 AM, and providing quarterly nutrition education curriculum. The contract term is from December 2026 through June 2029, with an annual budget of $55,000-$70,000. Proposals are due October 1, 2026, with a question deadline of September 14, 2026.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Qualifications & Experience (20), Approach to Senior Nutrition and Meal Quality (20), Menu Quality/Variety/Cultural Responsiveness (15), Service Delivery and Quality Assurance Plan (15), Cost & Overall Value (15), Dietary Accommodation Capabilities (10), Client References (5)
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
Catered meals, Menus, Nutrition Education curriculum, Progress reports, Invoices
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
Letter of Transmittal, Description of Proposer, Work Plan and Approach, Personnel Background, Team Experience, Exceptions to the RFP, Cost
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Work in government? Get Civic IQ free →Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this solicitation, answered from the record.
How do I respond to this RFP from City of East Palo Alto?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is October 1, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: [email protected]. For questions, contact Maurice Baker.
What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Qualifications & Experience (20), Approach to Senior Nutrition and Meal Quality (20), Menu Quality/Variety/Cultural Responsiveness (15), Service Delivery and Quality Assurance Plan (15), Cost & Overal..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from City of East Palo Alto?
All active and historical solicitations from City of East Palo Alto are tracked and searchable. As a city agency, City of East Palo Alto regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What is the contract term for this solicitation?
The anticipated contract term is 3 years. Contract terms may include renewal options.
Is this solicitation still open for submissions?
Based on the posted deadline of October 1, 2026, this solicitation appears to still be accepting submissions. Deadlines may change through amendments or addenda, so always verify the current status directly with the issuing agency before preparing your response.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Letter of Transmittal, Description of Proposer, Work Plan and Approach, Personnel Background, Team Experience, Exceptions to the RFP, Cost. Review the full document from City of East Palo Alto for the complete list.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including City of East Palo Alto in CA, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Maurice Baker. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: East Palo Alto, CA. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Catered meals, Menus, Nutrition Education curriculum, Progress reports, Invoices. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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