Posting Language
Title
Ratify a contract for meal services during Winter Storm Mara with Catering by Rosemary, Inc. d/b/a The Rk Group d/b/a TX Expresso d/b/a The Capitol Group, in the amount of $252,000.
[Note: This contract is exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9C (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established].
Body
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Client Department(s)
Austin Energy.
Fiscal Note
Funding was available in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Operating Budget of Austin Energy.
Purchasing Language:
Ratification.
For More Information:
Direct inquiries regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department - Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov <mailto:FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov> or 512-974-2500.
Additional Backup Information:
In response to Winter Storm Mara, on January 31, 2023, Austin Energy (AE) activated Incident Command functions, and AE and mutual aid crews worked around the clock to restore power. This contractor provided turnkey meal services for hundreds of storm restoration workers, adhering to strict food handling and preparation guidelines to ensure that all meals were safe and free from potential health risks.
By outsourcing meal services, crews were able to focus on their primary mission of responding to the emergency and providing critical support to affected communities. The contractor handled all aspects of meal service, including menu planning, meal preparation, and cleanup, allowing crews to focus on their core responsibilities.
Because of the emergency situation, services were needed immediately, and it was not possible to obtain Council approval prior to engaging services. It took time for AE to verify expenses and determine the appropriate payment path, causing delay in bringing this request forward to Council.