Schools’ lunch bid process criticized

An executive for the food service giant Sodexo sent a letter to school administrators this month saying that the company would not submit an offer because the contract seemed geared for Preferred.

The memo highlighted provision after provision in the contract application that it said “favors the incumbent’’ and its system of serving precooked, frozen meals.

“Language does not consider options of a potential new provider,’’ wrote Kendley Davenport, a Sodexo vice president who authored the four-page letter.

School officials defended the bidding process and rejected the suggestion of a bias toward Preferred.

“Wholeheartedly, we disagree,’’ said Samuel DePina, the assistant chief operating officer. “We’ve opened up the contract to any company to suggest any model that they think could work in Boston public schools. Local vendors. National vendors. We’re hoping that someone can say, this is how we think we can do it.’’

Earlier this month, three firms notified the city that they intended to compete for the contract — a requirement before submitting the bid — Preferred; Roxbury-based City Fresh Foods; and Whitsons Culinary Group, a family-run business on Long Island, N.Y.

But it will be difficult for City Fresh or Whitsons to win the job.

“We would have to partner with a larger player that abides by some of these requirements,’’ said Glynn Lloyd, founder and chief executive officer of City Fresh. “We’ve been at this for many years and have put in place ways of getting fresher, healthier products to kids. We would love to see that happen to more of our Boston public school kids.’’

Whitsons did not return several messages seeking comment.

City Fresh and Whitsons fail to meet several requirements for the contract. For example, applicants must be approved commodities processors, which means they are authorized to handle bulk chicken, cheese, and other raw food funneled to schools through the National School Lunch Program.