District: New Food Service Contract Will Save Oswego Schools $400K

After putting School District 308’s food service contract out for bid, the Board of Education on Monday approved current contractor Aramark at a savings of $435,000.
 
Five companies submitted bids for the contract. A comprehensive rubric ranking several criteria assisted the district in selecting the best qualified vendor.
 
Those criteria include, but are not limited to:

• Company performance history – As measured by the duration and extent of the company’s experience in the food service management business.
• Management and employee staffing plan – A proposed plan for administration, supervision and staffing under the specifications of the contract.
• References – Experience in the education food service industry shown by providing five references of school districts of comparable size.
• Financial stability/Accounting and financial systems – The ability to show company profitability and acceptable practices over the last two years through profit/loss statements.
• Nutrition and wellness – Two years of experience implementing the nutrition-based menu planning approach, and an example of a marketing plan or successful nutrition awareness program.
• Proposed facilities and daily operation – The evidence of Point of Service software proficiency, preferably with Horizon or One Source. 
• Tour of food service management company facilities/off-site kitchen – Off-site facilities must meet health and safety standards, with proper temperatures for food storage.
• Strategic marketing plan – A five-year plan of the methods of communication used including flyers, and signage. Also need examples of age-segmented branding, and promotional programs designed to increase participation.