The State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED), on behalf of Mt. Edgecumbe High School (MEHS), is soliciting proposals for a qualified food service management company to provide food service to approximately 400 students at the MEHS residential boarding school along with appropriate staff and guests during the school year.

Pursuant to state and federal law, Mount Edgecumbe High School (MEHS) participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and/or other Child Nutrition Programs. MEHS may contract with a Food Service Management Company (Contractor) to operate eligible school food services. The Department’s Child Nutrition Program (CNP) unit is responsible for administering all U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Programs.

Mt. Edgecumbe High School (MEHS.US) is a public boarding school operated by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED). Initially established in 1947 by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Mt. Edgecumbe provided Alaska Native students in grades 5-12 the opportunity to acquire a traditional education unavailable in rural Alaska. Serving more than 600 students at its largest, the school closed temporarily in 1983 as the Bureau of Indian Affairs reduced its role in Alaskan Education. Two years later, the school reopened under the governance of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. The central role of Mt. Edgecumbe High School in Alaskan education is to provide a broad range of academic and extra-curricular opportunities that are unavailable to students in isolated home schools and communities. Academic expectations are high and students who attend are expected to enroll in higher education. The official governing body charged with oversight is the Alaska State Board of Education.

Food service at Mt. Edgecumbe high school goes beyond the typical school lunch program.  This is the students’ home. For many students, the cafeteria is their only food option, and they will eat every meal at MEHS. To best serve students, multiple options are provided at every meal and unlimited seconds are allowed. Special meals are built into the calendar to celebrate special holidays and events.  When possible, foods that remind students of home, such as fish and soups, are offered.  Sack lunches and dinners are made available to students who are unable to come to the cafeteria because of special activities and the cafeteria staff adjust for special events like picnics and Saturday schools. All of this must be accomplished while still meeting guidelines under the Child Nutrition Programs.

The mission of MEHS is to provide a challenging, unique education in a residential setting that values rich cultural diversities and traditions, inspiring Alaskan students to become successful, responsible, global citizens. The vision of MEHS is to inspire students to discover and expand their talents with multiple innovative opportunities, develop their dreams, meet high expectations for learning and living, prepare for a changing world, form meaningful and long-lasting relationships, learn from, and appreciate one’s own and other’s cultures and become ethical leaders.

The cafeteria is an integral component of the Mt. Edgecumbe experience.  A successful food services contractor must be prepared to work as a team with State Project Director, Mt. Edgecumbe Staff, Residential contractors, Child Nutrition, among others, to create a welcoming environment that feels like home.  Relationships are key and students are at the core of the work.  A successful food contractor must care about the students they serve and seek to engage students in ways that lead to a positive and healthy nutritional experience.

Demographics: Typically, over 400 students from approximately 110 villages throughout Alaska attend Mt. Edgecumbe High School. About 65 percent of the student body is female and 35 percent are male. Alaska Native students comprise 80-95 percent of the student population, 6-10 percent are typically Caucasian, and we usually have a population that includes students of Asian, Hispanic, and African American descent. Between 60-80 percent of students in attendance generally meet federal guidelines for free or reduced lunches. Annually, between 75-90 percent of graduates are accepted into a post-secondary university or training program.

Please see attachments for more information.
Proposals are due March 28, 2025
Procurement Officer: Kathy Blomquist eed.procurement@alaska.gov