To: Delrico J. Loyd, Governmental Operations Committee Chairperson
From: Christopher R. Swanson, Sheriff
title
RE: Approval of a request by Genesee County’s Sheriff’s Office for the purchase of commercial convection ovens and delivery/installation services, in the total amount of $31,120.00, to support culinary education and workforce development for the Genesee County Jail IGNITE and ServeSafe programs
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Purchase of two (2) double-deck gas convection ovens with prison security packages and installation services from Stafford-Smith, Inc. under Sourcewell Contract #040726-STF, in the total amount of $31,120.00, paid for by the GIVE grant account # 2642-351.01-978.000 to expand workforce development and culinary training for Genesee County Jail IGNITE and ServeSafe students.
BACKGROUND:
The Genesee County Jail IGNITE program is focused on providing real-life workforce skills to inmates in order to provide hope, education, and opportunity while incarcerated and upon release back into the community. Through the ServeSafe credentialing program, student-inmates receive food safety and culinary instruction designed to prepare them for immediate employment in the food service and hospitality industries upon re-entry. Acquiring commercial-grade kitchen equipment ensures that ServeSafe students receive hands-on instruction using the exact standard commercial equipment they will operate in professional kitchens.
DISCUSSION:
A core mission of IGNITE is to break the cycle of generational incarceration through meaningful education and industry-recognized trade certifications. Providing hands-on culinary training on commercial-grade equipment bridges the gap between classroom theory and real-world kitchen operations, ensuring ServSafe students enter the regional workforce fully prepared for immediate employment. Stafford-Smith, Inc. provided a quote under Sourcewell Contract #040726-STF for two (2) Blodgett (Middleby) ZEPH-100-G DBL Zephaire double-deck gas convection ovens equipped with custom prison security packages (security panel, piano hinge, locking door hasp, solid stainless steel back, tamper-proof screws) for $30,460.00, plus $660.00 in delivery, uncrating, and positioning labor, bringing the project grand total to $31,120.00. Utilizing Sourcewell cooperative purchasing satisfies competitive bidding requirements while ensuring discounted pricing for government entities. Upgrading to standard commercial kitchen infrastructure directly advances IGNITE's commitment to workforce development, reinforcing the jail's institutional safety gains and helping fill critical regional hospitality and food service labor shortages.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
None
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
The total cost for the commercial ovens and delivery/placement labor is $31,120.00. Purchasing through Sourcewell Contract #040726-STF secures government contract pricing. Funding for this project is paid for through the GIVE grant account ## 2642-351.01-978.000 with no cost to the general fund budget
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
Assistance from Facilities and Maintenance with coordinating delivery, placement, and final utility/gas connections with the vendor. A walk through of the facility and coordination was completed with Facilities and Operations in order to ensure the appropriate equipment was purchased.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
This request conforms to the following County Priorities: Healthy, Livable, and Safe Communities: Enhances facility safety and rehabilitation by equipping inmates with tangible trade skills in a secure environment. Community Growth & Economic Opportunities: Directly connect returning citizens to high-demand food service and hospitality careers, addressing local labor shortages and lowering recidivism. Inclusive, Collaborative Culture: Supports modern criminal justice reform by replacing detention with industry-standard culinary and vocational education. Long-Term Financial Stability: Maximizes taxpayer dollars through cooperative purchasing agreements (Sourcewell)
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Office of Genesee County Sheriff to authorize an expenditure, in the form of a purchase order to Stafford-Smith, Inc. through Sourcewell Contract #040726-STF, to purchase two commercial convection ovens and to pay for related installation services, at a total cost not to exceed $31,120.00 to be paid from the GIVE grant accoutn, to support IGNITE workforce development and ServSafe commercial kitchen training, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request and supporting quote document being on file with the official records of the Governmental Operations Committee of this Board), and the Chairperson of this Board is authorized to execute any necessary contract documents on behalf of Genesee County.