Active SLED Opportunity · MICHIGAN · CITY OF PONTIAC MI
AI Summary
The City of Pontiac, MI, seeks vendors for city-wide catering and food services for meetings and events. Services include diverse menus, multiple service styles, compliance with food safety regulations, professional staffing, and clear pricing. The contract term is three years with renewal options. Evaluation covers qualifications, service capabilities, and sustainability.
The City of Pontiac is seeking to procure services from vendors who will provide high-quality catering and food service for City of Pontiac meetings, trainings, and City-sponsored events of various sizes. Services include diverse menu options (with dietary accommodations), multiple service styles (boxed, buffet, plated, drop-off), timely delivery and setup at City locations, and provision of all necessary equipment and disposables. Vendors must comply with all applicable food safety, licensing, and sanitation regulations, maintain required certifications, and ensure professional staffing, setup, and clean-up. Clear, itemized pricing and invoicing tied to City events and departments are required, with any minimums or surcharges identified in advance. The vendor is expected to maintain consistent quality, respond to feedback, and be available for both regular business hours and, when requested, evening and weekend events.
The City of Pontiac regularly hosts meetings, trainings, community programs, and special events that require reliable, high‑quality catering and food service support. These events vary in size and purpose and may involve elected officials, City staff, partner agencies, and members of the public. To ensure consistency, cost effectiveness, and compliance with applicable regulations, the City is establishing a standardized, city‑wide scope of services for catering and food service. This framework will guide how vendors support City operations, promote fair and transparent procurement, and help departments efficiently plan and execute events that reflect the City’s professional standards.
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bid Opening | 2026-05-18T18:30:00.000Z | Microsoft Teams: vhttps://teams.microsoft.com/meet/290471063935455?p=RzG0Pj6APLhLQ15u9B Meeting ID: 290 471 063 935 455 Passcode: WS7Gx9q8 |
The purpose of this scope is to establish city‑wide standards and requirements for catering and food service provided to the City of Pontiac, Michigan, for meetings, trainings, community events, and other official City functions. The number of individuals attending meeting events ranges from
1. General Requirements
Provide high‑quality catering and food service for City departments, boards/commissions, and City‑sponsored events held within the City of Pontiac.
Offer services for a variety of event sizes, from small internal meetings (5–20 attendees) to large community events (100+ attendees).
Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing food safety, licensing, and sanitation, including Michigan Food Law and Oakland County Health Division requirements.
2. Menu and Service Options
Provide diverse menu options, including (at minimum) hot and cold breakfast, lunch, and dinner selections; snacks; and beverage service (coffee/tea, water, soft drinks, and juices).
Offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free, and common allergen‑friendly options upon request, with clear labeling of major allergens.
Provide service styles as requested by the City: boxed meals, buffet service, plated service, and drop‑off only.
3. Ordering, Scheduling, and Staffing
Accept orders placed by authorized City staff via email and/or online ordering system, with standard lead times (e.g., minimum 3–5 business days for routine events; longer for large events as specified in contract).
Confirm all orders in writing, including headcount, menu, pricing, delivery location, setup time, and any special requirements.
Provide sufficient trained staff for delivery, setup, on‑site service (if requested), and breakdown/clean‑up, maintaining professional appearance and conduct at all times.
4. Delivery, Setup, and Equipment
Deliver food on time to designated City facilities and outdoor event locations within the City of Pontiac.
Provide all necessary serving equipment, utensils, chafing dishes, warming units, and disposables (plates, napkins, cutlery, cups) unless otherwise specified by the City.
Set up food service in a clean, organized, and accessible manner that complies with health and safety standards and accommodates persons with disabilities.
5. Food Safety and Sanitation
Maintain all required food service licenses and health department approvals throughout the contract term, and make documentation available to the City upon request.
Ensure that all food is prepared, transported, stored, and served in accordance with current food safety regulations and best practices (e.g., appropriate time/temperature controls, cross‑contamination prevention, and hygienic handling).
Ensure staff hold any required food safety certifications as established by applicable regulations.
6. Pricing, Invoicing, and Minimums
Provide a clear, itemized pricing schedule for menu items, service types, delivery fees, and any additional charges (e.g., staff time, linens, equipment rentals).
Identify any minimum order requirements and conditions for small‑order surcharges, if applicable.
Submit itemized invoices after each event, referencing the City department, event name, date, and purchase order or other identifying number, in accordance with City finance and purchasing requirements.
7. Sustainability and Waste Management (If Applicable)
When requested, use recyclable and/or compostable service ware where feasible and as requested by the City.
Assist with basic waste separation at events (e.g., trash vs. recycling) in coordination with City staff, when on‑site service is provided.
Evaluation of bids received in response to this RFP will be conducted comprehensively, fairly, and impartially. The City reserves the right to award based on a combination of factors stated in this solicitation.
The City shall first review bids for responsiveness. Only those bids deemed responsive will proceed to scoring by an evaluation committee selected from City of Pontiac personnel. Bids that receive evaluation scores of 80 points or greater will be considered passing and eligible for award. Additionally, if it is determined that a vendor is not responsible, they will not be considered for award regardless of their score.
The evaluation committee will review and evaluate responses based on the criteria below:
The contract term will be for three (3) years with two (2) one-year options to renew. The City may select more than one bidder to award a bid.
The City’s acceptance of a bid and approval of the award of a contract shall not constitute a formed contract, and the acceptance of a bid and award of a contract shall be contingent and conditioned upon the parties’ entry into and execution of a written agreement acceptable to the City and approved by the City of Pontiac’s City Council.
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Vendor Qualifications & Experience | 20 |
| Menu & Service Capabilities | 20 |
| Ordering & Scheduling | 15 |
| Delivery, Setup & Staffing | 15 |
| Food Safety & Compliance | 15 |
| Pricing & Invoicing | 10 |
| Sustainability & Waste Management | 5 |
| Total | 100 |
| Category (Qualifying Question) | Max Points | Excellent (90–100%) | Acceptable (60–89%) | Weak (0–59%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vendor Qualifications & Experience (#4) | 20 | 18–20 pts | 12–17 pts | 0–11 pts |
| Menu & Service Capabilities (#5) | 20 | 18–20 pts | 12–17 pts | 0–11 pts |
| Ordering & Scheduling (#6) | 15 | 14–15 pts | 9–13 pts | 0–8 pts |
| Delivery, Setup & Staffing (#7) | 15 | 14–15 pts | 9–13 pts | 0–8 pts |
| Food Safety & Compliance (#8) | 15 | 14–15 pts | 9–13 pts | 0–8 pts |
| Pricing & Invoicing (#9) | 10 | 9–10 pts | 6–8 pts | 0–5 pts |
| Sustainability & Waste Management (#10) | 5 | 5 pts | 3–4 pts | 0–2 pts |
| Total Possible Points | 100 |
The bidder must be fully informed of all laws and municipal ordinances and regulations affecting those engaged or employed in the work, or equipment used in the City. The bidder shall, at all items, observe and comply with all such existing laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, orders, and decrees. All work shall comply with the laws of the State of Michigan, City ordinances, and all other bodies having jurisdictional authority.
The bidder agrees to comply with the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended; the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1991 as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended; the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, Article 2, Act no. 453, Public Act of 1976 as amended; the Michigan Handicapper’s Civil Rights Act, Article 2, Act no. 220, Public Act of 1976, as amended and all other applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Specifically, Bidders and subcontractors are required not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment with respect to such person’s hire, tenure, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, or any matter directly or indirectly related to employment because of such person’s height, weight, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sex, or disability, as defined by law. A breach of this covenant may be regarded as a material breach of the contract.
The Service providers shall indemnify, save, and hold harmless, protect, and exonerate the City, its commissioners, board members, officers, employees, agents, representatives, and the State of Michigan to the extent no greater than their relative degree of fault.
The contract(s) awarded to the successful bidder(s) shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of Michigan and the successful bidder consents to the jurisdiction and venue of the courts in Oakland County, Michigan and of the United States District Court for the Eastern District, Southern Division.
The successful bidder(s) will agree that the Contract is the completed and exclusive statement of the Contract between the parties. A judicial or administrative declaration on the invalidity of any one or more of the provisions of the Contract shall not invalidate the remaining provisions of this agreement.
The successful bidder agrees to contact the City of Pontiac Income Tax Division, Audit and Compliance Section, 47450 Woodward, Pontiac, Michigan, 48342, telephone (248) 758-3092, to establish reporting and withholding obligations under the City of Pontiac income tax ordinance. The successful bidder will require the same of all subcontractors employing labor under this contract. The successful bidder is required to withhold City of Pontiac income tax from wages paid to:
Pontiac resident employees regardless of where they work for the employer; and
Nonresident employees for work performed in the City.
The successful bidder is also required to file Pontiac income tax returns and to report and pay income tax on the net profits earned by the service provider in the City of Pontiac. Bidders are not eligible for the award if they have not filed or paid corporate and employee income tax to the City of Pontiac.
Web page URL: http://www.pontiac.mi.us/departments/income_tax/index.php
Tax forms URL: http://www.pontiac.mi.us/departments/income_tax/tax_forms.php
By statute, the city is exempt from the State Sales and Use Tax and the Federal Excise Tax; therefore, all fees do not include tax.
All invoices submitted against the contract must identify the work performed in detail. Items not properly invoiced will not be paid. The supplier is responsible for ensuring invoice(s) delivery to the City. Invoices must meet the following conditions for payment:
The original invoice must be emailed to the requesting department's email address, addressed to the department that requested the service. The requesting department's email will be provided once a contract is awarded. The City’s standard payment terms are Net 30.
Any Bidder requiring clarification of the provisions of this solicitation must submit specific questions to the City. Bidders must upload all questions and protests of specifications to OpenGov by the deadline indicated on the cover page of the solicitation. All protests must identify the requirement, provision or feature of this solicitation that is unclear or that requires explanation. The protest must also address attachments including, but not limited to, the contract that the potential Bidder believes is ambiguous, unclear, unfair, contrary to law or likely to limit competition. The purpose of this deadline is to allow the City time to correct any term or condition in this solicitation and/or contract that may be unlawful, improvident, unduly restrictive of competition, or otherwise inappropriate. By allowing corrections before opening Proposals, the City intends to avoid or minimize much of the waste inherent in protests and in the possible rejection of all Proposals. Failure of a Bidder to protest in accordance with this section will be deemed in acceptance of the terms of this solicitation and contract and serve as a waiver of Bidder’s rights to later contend that either the solicitation or contract is ambiguous, unclear, unfair, contrary to law or likely to limit competition.
The deadline for submitting questions or protests is 4:00 P.M. ET prior t the bid submission deadline indicated in the solicitation's timeline. If the City of Pontiac’s Purchasing Division determines that additional information or clarification is necessary, such information or clarification will be supplied in the form of an addendum, which the City Purchasing Division’s personnel will upload to OpenGov. All such addendum will have the same binding effect as though contained in the main body of the solicitation. Oral instructions or oral information concerning the specifications from City managers, employees, or agents to prospective Bidders shall not bind the City of Pontiac.
Submission of a bid, proposal, or quotation to the City of Pontiac does not guarantee the award of a contract. All solicitations are subject to review, evaluation, and approval in accordance with applicable City procurement policies and procedures.
In accordance with State of Michigan procurement standards and best practices, including guidance from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) and Public Act 317 of 1968, as amended, the City reserves the right to:
Reject any or all bids or proposals, in whole or in part;
Waive irregularities or informalities in the solicitation process;
Award a contract to the most responsible and responsive bidder whose offer is determined to be in the best interest of the City;
Cancel a solicitation without awarding a contract;
Require additional documentation or clarification from vendors prior to making an award.
No contract shall be formed between the City and any vendor until a formal agreement is executed and approved by the appropriate City authority, including City Council where required.
Vendors are solely responsible for all costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a bid.
The Bidder shall provide the City of Pontiac, at the time the contracts are returned by him/her for execution, a Certificate of Insurance as well as the required endorsements. In lieu of required endorsements, if applicable, a copy of the policy sections where coverage is provided for additional insured and cancellation notice would be acceptable. Copies or certified copies of all policies mentioned above shall be furnished if so requested.
1. Commercial General Liability Insurance
Minimum Limit: $1,000,000 per occurrence
Aggregate Limit: $2,000,000
Must include:
Bodily Injury and Property Damage
Products and Completed Operations
Personal and Advertising Injury
Fireworks-specific coverage (not just general event insurance)
2. Commercial Automobile Liability
Minimum Limit: $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit
Covers all owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles used during transport, setup, or teardown.
3. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Required by law if the provider has employees.
Must comply with Michigan statutory requirements.
Employers Liability Minimums:
$100,000 Each Accident
$500,000 Disease Policy Limit
$100,000 Disease Each Employee
4. Umbrella / Excess Liability Insurance
Additional $4,000,000 depending on the size of the show and city risk policy.
5. Certificate of Insurance (COI) Requirements
Must name the City of Pontiac as Additional Insured for both ongoing and completed operations. Must provide 30-day notice of cancellation or non-renewal.
COI must be submitted and approved prior to the event.
If any of the above coverages expire during the term of this contract, the Bidder shall deliver renewal certificates and/or policies to the City of Pontiac at least ten (10) days prior to the expiration date.
If any of the above coverages expire during the term of this contract, the successful bidder shall deliver renewal certificates and/or policies to the City of Pontiac at least ten (10) days prior to the expiration date.
The City of Pontiac will NOT allow subcontracting for this agreement, unless pre-approved by the City in advance and in writing.
The Contractor shall not subcontract any portion of the construction work or professional services without the Owner’s prior written approval, and shall submit the subcontractor’s name, trade/scope, contract amount, and proof of required Michigan licenses (as applicable), registrations, and experience.
Approval of a subcontractor does not create any contractual relationship between the Owner and the subcontractor and does not relieve the Contractor of any obligation under this Contract; the Contractor remains fully responsible for all services and is the sole point of contact with the Owner.
The Contractor shall perform at least the minimum portion of the work with its own forces as required by applicable Michigan specifications or funding conditions, and remains fully responsible for all work, including that performed by subcontractors and suppliers.
The acts and omissions of subcontractors and their employees are deemed the acts and omissions of the Contractor, and the Contractor is the sole contractual point of contact with the Owner.
The Contractor shall require each subcontract to incorporate all applicable terms and conditions of this Contract and the Contract Documents, require compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws (including the Michigan Building Code, safety laws, and funding‑source requirements), and impose insurance, indemnity, safety, EEO/DBE, warranty, and audit/inspection obligations consistent with those imposed on the Contractor.
The Contractor shall use only competent, properly licensed, responsible, and eligible subcontractors, shall not subcontract with any firm that is suspended, debarred, or otherwise ineligible for public construction or professional services contracts, and shall meet and document any applicable DBE/MBE/WBE or similar participation requirements.
The Contractor shall ensure each subcontractor maintains insurance coverages appropriate to its trade and not less than the limits required in the Contract Documents, and that the Contractor’s performance and payment bonds cover subcontract work to the extent required by Michigan law and the Contract Documents.
The Contractor shall not add, remove, or replace any major or listed subcontractor without the Owner’s prior written consent, except in an emergency affecting life, safety, or property, in which case the Contractor shall act as needed and notify the Owner as soon as practicable for written approval.
The Contractor is solely responsible for paying subcontractors; the Owner has no duty to pay or resolve subcontractor or supplier claims, and the Contractor shall comply with Michigan public‑project prompt‑payment and retainage requirements (including those under Public Act 279 of 1984 and any applicable special provisions).
Repeated failure to pay subcontractors as required, or other material violations of this section, may be treated as a material breach of the Contract and may trigger the remedies provided in the Contract Documents and applicable Michigan law
Bidders are strictly prohibited from engaging in any form of collusion, price fixing, bid rigging, or other anti-competitive practices in connection with this solicitation. Each bidder, by submitting a proposal, certifies that:
The prices in the proposal have been independently determined without consultation, communication, or agreement with any other bidder or potential bidder, and are not intended to restrict competition.
The bidder has not knowingly disclosed proposal prices, terms, or conditions to any competitor before the official proposal opening; and
No attempt has been made or will be made by the bidder to induce any other person or firm to submit or refrain from submitting a proposal for the purpose of limiting competition.
If the City determines that collusion, price fixing, or any related prohibited conduct has occurred, the bidder(s) involved will be disqualified from further consideration, and any contract awarded may be terminated immediately. The City reserves the right to refer such matters to appropriate legal authorities for investigation and potential prosecution.
The service provided shall not transfer the contract, without prior written approval of the Mayor or Mayor’s designee, which shall be communicated in writing.
The successful bidder’s employees shall comply with all instructions issued by representatives of the City of Pontiac.
This contract is not subject to progress payments or retainage.
How many years has your company provided catering and food service within Oakland County or similar municipalities?
Please list at least three comparable contracts or clients (preferably public sector or community-based) that demonstrate your ability to support events of varying sizes.
Describe your company’s structure, staffing levels, and the qualifications of key personnel who would service City of Pontiac events.
Provide copies or summaries of current health department licenses, food service permits, and liability insurance coverages.
Provide sample menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack offerings, including pricing and description of portion sizes.
What accommodations do you offer for dietary restrictions and food allergies (e.g., labeling, prevention of cross-contact)?
What service styles can you provide (boxed meals, buffet, plated, drop-off only)? Please specify any limitations.
Describe your ability to customize menus for special themes or cultural events.
Describe your standard process for accepting orders, confirming details, and communicating with authorized City staff.
What is your standard lead time for small events (under 20 people), medium events (20–75 people), and large events (100+ people)?
How do you handle late changes or cancellations to confirmed orders?
Indicate if your company offers an online ordering or customer portal system, and describe its capabilities (e.g., tracking orders, payment, reporting).
Describe your typical delivery process, including how food is transported, maintained at safe temperatures, and presented upon delivery.
What equipment and disposables are included in your standard service?
Confirm your ability to deliver and set up at multiple City locations, including outdoor and community sites within Pontiac.
How do you ensure staff professionalism and event readiness (e.g., uniforms, behavior, time management)?
Provide a copy of your current food safety certification(s) and identify staff responsible for ensuring compliance.
Describe your internal protocols for preventing foodborne illness, cross-contamination, and mishandling during preparation, transport, and service.
Have you received any health department citations or violations within the past three years? If yes, please explain and describe corrective actions taken.
Describe your invoicing process, including lead time for billing and ability to align with City purchase order references.
Describe your approach to sustainability, including use of recyclable, compostable, or reusable service ware.
Explain how your team assists with waste separation and cleanup during on-site service at public events.
Identify any optional services (e.g., themed décor, linen rental, beverage stations, staffing enhancements) that could add value for City events.
Provide three client references (preferably municipal or nonprofit) who can speak to reliability, quality of service, and responsiveness.
Provide an itemized price list including menu items, service types, delivery charges, staffing fees, and any available package pricing.
Identify any minimum order requirements, small-order surcharges, or additional fees.
Please acknowledge that you have read and agree with the terms and conditions attached in this solicitation.
Please identify exceptions to solicitation terms and conditions or attach redline version of Word document below.
Upload here.
If Yes, suggested Evaluation Criteria will be included for review.
If No, Evaluation Criteria will be included.
SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.
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