Item 14 - Agreement for Inmate Food and Commissary Services

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Inmate Food and Commissary Services September 16, 2025 Page 2 3 Bids received 0 Bids received from Santa Ana vendors Proposals were solicited, opened on April 22, 2025, and evaluated. Three proposals were submitted by the RFP deadline and all were determined to be responsive to the specifications and met the City's requirements. An evaluation committee reviewed and rated the proposals according to the criteria listed in the RFP. Staff recommends awarding an agreement to the highest ranked firm, Aramark Correctional Services, LLC (Aramark). Aramark has been a provider of inmate food services at the Santa Ana Jail since 1997 and has continued to perform these services in a professional and competent manner. As specified in the agreement, Aramark will prepare nutritious meals consistent with American Correctional Association standards, BSCC Title 15 regulations, and Orange County Health Department requirements. Specialized diets (medical, religious, and gluten -free) will be provided at no additional cost, with oversight by the Jail's Operation Manager and contracted medical provider. Aramark will operate the inmate commissary program, offering a wide range of approved products including food, hygiene, stationery, and clothing items, while also administering specialized commissary programs that expand incarcerated persons' access to supplemental food and personal items. Commissions generated from these sales are deposited into the Inmate Welfare Fund, which supports purchases that enhance safety and security, as well as fund programs and services for incarcerated persons, reducing reliance on the City's General Fund. The programs offered to inmates include: • Fresh Favorites - Provides incarcerated persons the opportunity to purchase freshly prepared food items beyond the standard menu, offering access to home - style meals prepared by Aramark; iCare Fresh - Allows family members to conveniently purchase meals online, which Aramark then prepares and delivers to the incarcerated person; Go -Cart - A supplementary commissary tool that enables incarcerated persons to purchase select snack and convenience items later in the week, beyond the standard once -a -week commissary order. Aramark will also continue to operate the Code-7 Cafe staff cafeteria located within the Police Administration building and utilize on -site storage facilities. Aramark will pay the City $30,000 in annual rental fees for the Code-7 Cafe space and $24,000 in annual fees for use of the storage facilities. The agreement contains provisions for annual price adjustments tied to Consumer Price Index, Food Away From Home Index, and a "Market Basket of Products" methodology, ensuring alignment with national food cost trends.