Next Application Period:  March - April 2020

Note:  The 2019 prepared food application period has been postponed.  If you are a Santa Monica based restaurant, cafe or bakery, please see the Featured Restaurant application and participation information.

Selected Vendors will start July 1, 2020

(Note: Only farmers are admitted to sell processed agricultural products such as cheese, oils, olives, juices, jams, cured or dried meats, nuts and pickles)

Markets Accepting Applications in 2020 (subject to change)

Rates 

In addition to the stall fees each SMFMs vendor shall pay a legislative fee of $2.00 for each market attended.  These cumulative fees are then remitted to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) on a quarterly basis.  The CDFA utilizes these fees to administer and regulate CFM’s throughout the state.

How to Apply

 

Step 1 - Register

The SMFMs are a department of the City of Santa Monica.  The City's bid management program BidsOnline™, is a fully automated web-based vendor and bid management system.  Go to:

http://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=15167#

1. Click on the “New Vendor Register” button and complete the form.  
2. Select ALL product/service categories on the "Category/Description" tab your company provides in order to receive all bid/RFP/RFQsolicitation notifications in your field.  

Once you have entered all of the information on all five tabs and clicked the "Register" button, you will receive an e-mail welcoming you to the program. Once registered, you will be able to search, view and download all bids/RFPs/RFQs posted by the City, as well as maintain your own contact information. This RFP uses category 96138

When the application period opens in March you will automatically recieve an email notifying you to log back into Planet Bids to download application materials.

Step 2 - MANDATORY, Q & A for Applicants

In March and April there will be two pre-application meetings.  All new applicants are required to attend one of these two meetings.  The meeting dates are to be determined and will be updated when they are scheduled.

Each meeting will last approximately an hour and will include brief presentation, face time with the Farmers Market staff and an opportunity to ask questions about the evaluation and selection process.

Step 3 - Prepare and Submit Your Application

When the application period opens, you will automatically receive an email from Planet Bids.  Log back into the website, open the Prepared Food RFP and review the documents under the "documents and attachments" tab.  These include the instructions and application forms.  

Complete and turn in your completed application (one (1) original and five (5) copies) by the indicated deadline - late or incomplete applications are not accepted.  Be sure to utilize the application checklist to ensure you have all the necessary components.  Electronic applications are not accepted and applications must be received in our office by May 1 at 5:00 pm

Documentation

• City of Santa Monica Business License (to be purchased once you are selected to participate)
• Public Health Operating Permit (for commercial kitchen facility or restaurant)
• Board of Equalization Permit (for taxable products).
• Community/Seasonal Event Health Permit issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Health.  (Issued after vendor is accepted and renewable quarterly)

What else do I need to know?

All Santa Monica Farmers Markets comply with the City wide Non-Recyclable Food Service Container Ban and additionally require vendors to use compostable cutlery and straws.

Paperwork

Once selected, each Farmers Market vendor is required to sign a participation agreement and acknowledging receipt of the Farmers Market Rules and Regulations as well as sign a hold harmless agreement.

Farmers Market Rules

Please review the Santa Monica Farmers Market Rules.