Beaver Area board authorizes cafeteria services RFP with two procurement options

The Beaver Area School District Board of Directors on Nov. 18, 2013 unanimously authorized staff to prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) for cafeteria services to begin July 1, 2014. The RFP must include two alternatives: (1) management and supply only, and (2) management, supply and cafeteria workers.

Mr. Matthews moved the item and Mr. Bovalino seconded it; the motion passed unanimously. The minutes record district cost estimates elsewhere for cafeteria-related items but do not include vendor quotes or a timeline for evaluation and award.

The board’s action initiates a formal procurement process that could change how the district operates meal services beginning in the 2014–15 school year. The district’s Cafeteria Fund recorded $79,990.17 in transactions on Nov. 18, 2013, but the motion does not commit to a contract or vendor. Next steps include drafting the RFP, publishing it, and returning to the board with bids or a staff recommendation for contract award.