Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota (LSS of SD) is seeking proposals from qualified Food Service Management Companies to provide food service for our Center for Children & Youth in Sioux Falls. We are looking for a partner who can provide nutritious meals and snacks for up to 49 residents, while adhering to USDA nutrition guidelines. 

The full Request for Proposal (RFP) document is available for download. Interested companies should carefully review the RFP for complete details on requirements, timeline, and submission instructions. With questions, contact Carmen.Schempp@LssSD.org. 

The deadline for proposals is Friday, April 4th, 2025 at 4:00 PM CST.

Schedule of Events:

• Board Meeting, RFP Approval and Negotiations Authorized: Friday, 02/07/25
• Release of RFP:  Monday, 02/17/25
• First Public Notice: Monday, 02/24/25
• Second Public Notice: Monday 03/17/25
• Mandatory Tour: Monday, 03/24/25
• FSMC Question Submission Deadline: Friday, 03/28/25
• SFA Responses to Written Submissions: Wednesday, 04/02/25
• Deadline for Submission of Sealed Proposal: Friday, 04/04/25
• Proposals Opened: Tuesday, 04/08/25
• Proposals Evaluated & Fixed-Price Contract Negotiated: Tuesday, 04/08/25
• Board Meeting – Proposal Approval: Friday, 05/09/25
• Anticipated Fixed-Price Contract Award Date: Monday, 06/02/25

*SFA reserves the right to amend this schedule, as necessary, and will post a notice of any schedule amendments at www.lsssd.org

Questions & Answers:

Question: “Could you confirm if a bid bond or performance bond is required?  It looks like N/A is selected at the end of the RFP showing it is not required.” 
Answer:  We do not require a bid bond or performance bond. 

Question:  Is it required for the vendor to own their own vehicle to pick up commodities?
Answer:  The SFA is willing to discuss and work with the FSMC, that is awarded the contract, on the collection/retrieval of the USDA commodities ordered.

Question: Can you please verify the dollar amount required for commodities expected in a year and how they will be used?
Answer:  The amount for School Year 2025-2026 is $9,294.   $3,300 of this will be allotted towards the Fresh Favors fresh fruits and vegetables program, and the remainder allotted to other USDA commodities including, but not limited to, cheese, frozen meats (chicken, beef, pork/ham), canned fruits, canned tomatoes and sauce, frozen potato products, dried beans, frozen vegetables, and whole grain pastas.  

Question:  Can you please verify commodities can be only used for breakfast and lunch?  
Answer:  This has been verified with the SD Department of Education that USDA commodities can only be used for breakfast and lunch.