Summary
(Insert into SOW, Division 11 Specs, or Agency Technical Requirements)
1. General Requirements (Corrections-Specific)
The Contractor shall furnish and install commercial kitchen equipment specifically engineered for correctional environments, including state prisons, county jails, detention centers, and secure treatment facilities. All equipment shall incorporate tamper-resistant, anti-ligature, and contraband-control features suitable for use in inmate-accessible or inmate-labor areas.
All equipment and installation work shall comply with the following at minimum:
- ACFSA (Association of Correctional Food Service Affiliates) equipment guidelines
- NSF/ANSI sanitation standards
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) requirements
- UL 300 where applicable
- State/local Department of Corrections safety policies
- Buy American Act (BAA) and Trade Agreements Act (TAA) when federally funded
- All applicable building, fire, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes
The Contractor shall be responsible for verifying all field conditions, utility readiness, and equipment dimensions prior to ordering or installation.
2. Correctional-Grade Construction Requirements
All commercial kitchen equipment provided under this contract shall meet the following security construction requirements:
2.1 Tamper-Resistant Fasteners & Hardware
- Equipment shall use security Torx, spanner, or pin-in-head fasteners in all inmate-accessible areas.
- Hinges, handles, latches, and brackets shall be heavy-duty, reinforced, and non-removable without specialized tools.
2.2 Welded & Enclosed Bases
- Open-frame bases are not permitted in inmate-accessible areas.
- Enclosed cabinet-style bases with welded seams shall be used to prevent the concealment of contraband.
2.3 Anti-Ligature Design
- Equipment shall include rounded corners, recessed handles, and no protruding features that could introduce ligature risk.
2.4 Vandal-Resistant Controls
- Control panels shall be recessed, shrouded, or impact-resistant.
- Equipment requiring programming or service mode access shall have lockable or shielded service points.
2.5 Secure Access Panels
- Compressor compartments, service doors, and mechanical access areas shall be lockable and non-removable without specialized tools.
3. Operational Requirements for Inmate Labor Areas
If equipment will be used or accessed by inmates under supervision, it must meet the following:
- Simplified operator interfaces
- Durable guards and safety shields
- Clearly labeled controls
- Heat-resistant and impact-resistant components suitable for repetitive, high-volume use
- Limited tool-free disassembly to prevent tampering
Equipment that is not designed for inmate labor settings will be rejected.
4. High-Volume Institutional Requirements
All equipment must be suitable for continuous-duty operation in environments serving:
- 2,000–10,000 meals per day,
- Multiple diet types (regular, religious, medical), and
- High-abuse conditions typical of correctional facilities.
Equipment shall be engineered for rapid recovery, ease of sanitation, and long-term durability.
5. Dishroom & Trayline Requirements (Corrections-Specific)
If the project includes dishroom or trayline components, the following applies:
- Soiled tray conveyors must have enclosed mechanics, guarded pinch points, and no exposed belts in inmate-accessible zones.
- Dish machines must include vandal-resistant access panels, secure chemical injection controls, and enclosed dishtables.
- Soiled tray return areas shall be designed to eliminate blind spots and prevent unauthorized access.
6. Meal Delivery & Transport Requirements
When meal delivery systems are included, the following features are required:
- Non-weaponizable insulated trays
- Locking transport carts with reinforced hinges and tamper-resistant latches
- Heavy-duty construction suitable for repeated movement through secure corridors
- Carts shall not include detachable external parts
7. Secure Installation Requirements
The Contractor shall provide an installation team that is experienced in secure environments and able to comply with correctional facility procedures, including:
- Criminal background checks and security clearances
- Escort protocols and limited movement within the facility
- Tool check-in/check-out inventories
- Compliance with prohibited items lists
- Removal of all packaging, hardware, and debris
- Proper anchoring, bolting, and sealing of equipment according to correctional standards
Non-cleared installation personnel will not be granted access.
8. Submittals & Documentation
The Contractor shall provide the following:
- Manufacturer data sheets highlighting correctional-grade or tamper-resistant features
- Shop drawings with anchoring and utility requirements
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connection diagrams
- Warranty documentation
- Operation and maintenance manuals
- HACCP compliance documentation where applicable
9. Warranty & Service Requirements
All equipment shall include:
- A minimum 1-year parts and labor warranty
- Access to authorized service providers
- Response time requirements in compliance with agency standards
Priority shall be given to vendors capable of providing local, certified service technicians.
10. Acceptance & Commissioning
The equipment will be inspected upon delivery and after installation. Acceptance will be contingent on:
- Correct installation
- Compliance with correctional specifications
- Operational testing under supervision
- Staff training provided by the Contractor
Final acceptance will occur only after all deficiencies have been corrected.
