Purchase of Shelf Stable Meals on an Annual Contract

PA046-21 Page 1
September 2, 2026
INVITATION TO BID
BL123-26
Gwinnett County is soliciting competitive sealed bids from qualified suppliers for the Purchase of Shelf
Stable Meals on an Annual Contract for the Department of Community Services.
Bids should be typed or submitted in ink and returned in a sealed container marked on the outside with the
BL# and Company Name. Bids will be received until 2:50 P.M. local time on September 21, 2026 at the
Gwinnett County Financial Services - Purchasing Division - 2nd Floor, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville,
Georgia 30046. Any bid received after this date and time will not be accepted. Bids will be publicly opened
and read at 3:00 P.M. The bid opening will be virtual ONLY. To access the bid opening virtually, visit the
following link. Apparent bid results will be available the following business day on the website
www.GwinnettCounty.com.
Questions regarding bids should be directed to Casey Beauston, Purchasing Associate III, at
Casey.Beauston@GwinnettCounty.com or by calling 770-822-7995, no later than 3:00 P.M. on September
10, 2026. Bids are legal and binding upon the bidder when submitted.
Successful supplier(s) will be required to meet insurance requirements. The Insurance Company should be
authorized to do business in Georgia by the Georgia Insurance Department and must have an A.M. Best
rating of A-7 or higher.
Gwinnett County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to its
programs or activities. Any requests for reasonable accommodations required by individuals to fully
participate in any open meeting, program or activity of Gwinnett County Government should be directed to
the ADA Coordinator at the Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center, 770-822-8165.
The written bid documents supersede any verbal or written prior communications between the parties.
Award will be made to the supplier submitting the lowest responsive and responsible bid. Gwinnett County
reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive technicalities, and to make an award deemed in its best
interest. Bids may be split or awarded in entirety. Gwinnett County reserves the option to negotiate terms,
conditions and pricing with the lowest responsive, responsible bidder(s) at its discretion.
Award notification will be posted after award on the County website, www.gwinnettcounty.com, and
companies submitting a bid will be notified via email.
We look forward to your bid and appreciate your interest in Gwinnett County.
Casey Beauston, CPPB
Purchasing Associate III Supplemental Information, Pages 5-6
Bid Schedule, Pages 8-10
The following pages should be returned with your bid: Contract Provisions (Grant Forms), Pages 11-47
References, Page 48
Contractor Affidavit & Agreement, Page 49
Code of Ethics Affidavit, Page 50

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PURCHASE OF SHELF STABLE MEALS ON AN ANNUAL CONTRACT
The Gwinnett County Department of Community Services' Health and Human Services Division is seeking qualified
suppliers to provide 5-day and 7-day shelf stable meal kits on an annual contract. These kits are provided to senior
citizens throughout Gwinnett County and are primarily used in times of inclement weather or other events that
make it difficult or impossible to deliver hot meals.
I. BACKGROUND
1. The Congregate Nutrition Service for the Aging Services Nutrition Program is funded under Title III, Part
C, Subpart 1 of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended. Shelf-stable meals are an extension of
the Congregate Nutrition Service for the Aging Services Nutrition Program.
2. The program is administered locally through the Gwinnett County Department of Community Services'
Health and Human Services Division.
II. SCOPE OF SERVICES
1. The quantities shown are approximate and are not guaranteed. The County reserves the right to order
shelf-stable meals on an as-needed basis. However, there may be times when meals are not needed at
all.
2. Each meal is to assure program participants a minimum of one-third (1/3) of the current Recommended
Dietary Allowances for individuals age 51+ as established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the
National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council as evidenced by menu standards or nutrient
analysis in accordance with the Georgia Department of Aging Online Directives Information System
(hereinafter referred to as "ODIS) Section 304 Appendix 304-B Georgia Nutrition Program Nutrient
Targets for Meals.
III. METHOD OF AWARD
The County reserves the right to make award in its best interest by line item, section, or to the overall lowest
bidder.
IV. BID REQUIREMENTS
1. EXPERIENCE
a. The awarded supplier must have a minimum of two (2) years' experience providing shelf stable
meals within the past five (5) years.
2. MANAGEMENT AND STAFFING
a. Successful supplier must have the appropriate staff and supervisory personnel necessary to fulfill
the terms of this contract.
b. Successful supplier should assign a contact person or team to accept and process orders for this
contract. Successful supplier must notify the County if this contact should change at any point
during the contract period.
c. Menus shall be developed or acquired by a registered dietician. Bidders should provide copies of all
finalized menus and nutritional analysis for each with their bid.
3. MEAL SAMPLES
a. Two (2) samples of each meal kit proposed for line items 1-2 in the Bid Schedule for program use
should be provided upon the County's request within five (5) business days and at no cost to
Gwinnett County. Samples will not be returned. Failure to submit samples as requested may result
in bid being deemed non-responsive.

BL123-26 Page 3
4. SUPPLIER RESPONSIBILITIES
a. The awarded supplier must deliver meals FOB Destination Prepaid and Allowed to Gwinnett Senior
Services Center, 567 Swanson Drive, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046. This location accepts deliveries
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. This location has a loading dock. The delivery schedule
may vary, but the County is currently ordering on a quarterly schedule. The County reserves the right
to amend the delivery schedule, and to change delivery or meal pickup locations. The County will
coordinate with the awarded supplier or any changes. One (1) purchase order will be issued for
each order. The County prefers to have orders delivered in a single shipment; however, delivery
details may be coordinated with the Gwinnett County Department of Community Services.
b. The awarded supplier must comply with nutritional requirements as established by the Department
of Aging APD-06-04, Attachment B, Client and Community Services - Nutrition Services Menu
Standards.
i. All meal packs must provide at least the following. The nutritional values apply to all meal
kits.
1. No fewer than 1,310 calories daily
2. Six (6) oz. meat or equivalent
3. 4-6 servings bread and cereal (2 whole grains)
4. Six (6) servings fruit, vegetables, and/or juice
5. Two (2) packages of powdered milk providing 8 oz. of milk per package
6. Other nutrition requirements per ODIS Section 304, Appendix 304-B Georgia
Nutrition Program Nutrient Targets for Meals:
* Shelf stable, dehydrated, chilled and frozen meals must meet the nutrient
targets outlined in Appendix 304-B and applicable temperature standards.
Meals must meet both meal pattern and nutrient analysis requirements.
* Package labeling must be legible and show the packaging date, list of food
items, storage instructions, and instructions for preparation of, safe thawing
and reheating, or reconstituting.
* Nutrient targets may be met as a monthly average, +/-10% (Table 304-F-1)
based on 2015 - 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans averaged for
individuals 51+.
c. Each meal shall include no more than one sugar-sweetened item. Sugar sweetened items are
considered cookies, desserts, and items such as fruit snacks. Fruit would not be considered sugar
sweetened.
d. Each meal shall have no refrigeration or heating required and will have a minimum shelf life of one
year.
e. Packaging Requirements:
i. Cans are to be easy to open and have pull-tabs (note exceptions in bid if not possible).
ii. Canned goods are to be labeled with the expiration date whenever possible.
iii. Canned fruits are to be USDA Grade A.
iv. Meats are to be graded by USDA.
v. Fruit and vegetable juices are to be 100% pure juice.
vi. Dried fruit must be vacuum packed. The County cannot accept single serve-packs for dried

BL123-26 Page 4
fruits.
f. All products must be ready to eat without preparation, with the exception of non-fat powdered milk.
Instant breakfast is not an allowable item.
g. Supplier must pack meals in cartons of sufficient strength for weight of contents and that can be
lifted and transported easily.
h. Supplier should include provider identification, "best if used by date" and other inserts in each meal
pack as requested by the County.
i. Supplier shall replace missing boxes or damaged food containers.
j. Meals shall be available within fourteen (14) days of ordering.
k. Supplier must offer low sodium and diabetic multi-meal packs.
l. For each meal pack, no menu should be repeated.
m. Supplier shall notify Gwinnett County if production lines switch from normal operation to
emergency operation.
5. COUNTY RESPONSIBILITIES
a. The County shall work with the selected supplier to order meals.
b. The County shall approve proposed menus.
c. The County shall sample and approve foods.
d. The County shall monitor the quality and appearance of food.
e. The County shall approve changes in meal pack contents prior to those changes being made.

BL123-26 Page 5
FAILURE TO RETURN THIS PAGE AS PART OF YOUR BID DOCUMENT MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF BID.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
1. Please provide the name and contact information for the employee(s) that will be responsible for servicing
the County's account, if awarded. This contact will be the one receiving all Purchase Orders; therefore, they
must be aware so that orders are processed in a timely manner. Gwinnett County must be notified
immediately should this contact change at any point during the contract period.
NAME:_________________________________________________________PHONE:__________________________
EMAIL: __________________________________________________________________________________________
2. List the type and number of staff and supervisory personnel available to fulfill the terms of this contract.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Supplier shall have a permanent sanitary facility with sufficient space to store and distribute meals in the
estimated annual quantity required by this contract. Please list the address below. If more than one (1)
facility, please list, including repackaging and/or distribution sites.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Detail the method to be used to deliver meals, i.e. supplier's own truck, freight company, etc.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
COMPANY NAME

BL123-26 Page 6
FAILURE TO RETURN THIS PAGE AS PART OF YOUR BID DOCUMENT MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF BID.
5. Provide a complete listing of all available food items and menus for shelf stable meals that would be used
in fulfilling the terms of this contract. Attach a separate sheet if needed.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
COMPANY NAME

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APPENDIX 304-B

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FAILURE TO RETURN THIS PAGE AS PART OF YOUR BID DOCUMENT MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF BID.
BID SCHEDULE
ITEM EST. ANNUAL DELIVERY
DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE TOTAL PRICE
# QTY A.R.O.
SECTION A: EMERGENCY MEAL KITS
1 4,000 EA Five (5) Day Emergency Meal Kit $ $
2 400 EA Seven (7) Day Emergency Meal Kit $ $
SECTION A TOTAL: $
SECTION B: OPTIONAL MEAL KITS (NOT INCLUDED IN BID TOTAL)
Gwinnett County does not have a current need for items listed below in Section B. Pricing is being requested should the need arise to purchase five (5) day shelf stable
meals for specific dietary needs. If ordered, the awarded supplier will be expected to provide the requested quantities. Meal kits should be nutritionally planned and
analyzed by a registered dietician to comply with the following diets typically seen in a common healthcare facility:
Diabetic diet - The meals in this menu are calorie-controlled and
contain the appropriate amount of carbohydrates for someone with
1 1 EA $ $
diabetes. Desserts consist of sugar-free options or fruit, to limit the
rise of blood sugar levels.)
2 1 EA Carbohydrate restricted diet $ $
3 1 EA Low calorie (1,800 - 2,000 calories per day) diet $ $
4 1 EA Low fat diet $ $
5 1 EA Low cholesterol diet $ $
Sodium-restricted diet (Each meal typically contains 700mg of
6 1 EA sodium or less and is lower in sodium compared to our regular $ $
meals)
COMPANY NAME

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FAILURE TO RETURN THIS PAGE AS PART OF YOUR BID DOCUMENT MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF BID.
ITEM EST. ANNUAL DELIVERY
DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE TOTAL PRICE
# QTY A.R.O.
Vegetarian (Vegetarian Menu is similar in nutrition content to any
7 1 EA $ $
regular menu but contains no meat, poultry or fish.)
Renal Meals - This kidney-friendly menu is designed for those with
Chronic Kidney Disease. However, it is not recommended for those
8 1 EA on dialysis. Each meal contains a lower sodium and potassium $ $
content. All protein foods (meat, poultry, fish) are limited to 2-ounce
servings. Cranberry juice is served as a beverage.
Mechanical Soft Menu - The Mechanical Soft Menu is for those
who have difficulty chewing or trouble swallowing. The foods are
9 1 EA $ $
chopped and any tough, chewy or very dry foods will be avoided.
There are also no raw fruits or vegetables.
Other:
10 1 EA $ $
_____________________________________________________________
Other:
11 1 EA $ $
_____________________________________________________________
NOTE: Pricing MUST contain ALL charges associated with this purchase, including delivery. All deliveries shall be coordinated with the Department of
Community Services.
COMPANY NAME

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FAILURE TO RETURN THIS PAGE AS PART OF YOUR BID DOCUMENT MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF BID.
BID SCHEDULE CONTINUED
Gwinnett County requires pricing to remain firm for the duration of the initial term of the contract. Failure to hold
firm pricing for the initial term of the contract will be sufficient cause for Gwinnett County to declare bid non-
responsive. Contract to begin October 20, 2026, or upon award.
Unless otherwise noted, quoted prices will remain firm for four (4) additional one-year periods. If a percentage
increase/decrease is a part of the renewal options, please note this in the space provided together with an
explanation.
Renewal Option 1: % Increase % Decrease Explanation
Renewal Option 2: % Increase % Decrease Explanation
Renewal Option 3: % Increase % Decrease Explanation
Renewal Option 4: % Increase % Decrease Explanation
Certification of Non-Collusion in Bid Preparation
Signature Date
The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the following addenda, listed by number and date appearing on
each:
Addendum No. Date Addendum No. Date
In compliance with the attached specifications and the Instructions for Vendors, the undersigned offers and
agrees, within ninety (90) days of the date of bid opening, to furnish any or all of the items upon which prices are
quoted, at the price set opposite each item, delivered to the designated point(s) within the time specified in the
fee schedule. By submission of this bid, I understand that Gwinnett County uses Electronic Payments for
remittance of goods and services. Vendors should select their preferred method of electronic payment upon
notice of award. For more information on electronic payments, please refer to the Electronic Payment
information in the Instructions for Vendors.
Legal Business Name
Complete Address
Does your company currently have a location within Gwinnett County? Yes No
Representative Signature Printed Name
Telephone Number E-mail Address