2 - 1 Select RFP 2025-27 Questions, Errors and Clarifications.pdf

OCNC

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

SELECT RFP 2025-27 FOR COMMODITY DIVERSION PROCESSING

2 - 1: Questions, Errors and Clarifications

January 14, 2025

Question 1 Who will be your distributor partner/s for SY25/26 for the Select Commodity RFP?

Answer 1 OCNC’s currently awarded distributor is Sysco. This RFP also includes options for Direct Delivery to districts.

Question 2 If choosing to renew this RFP for SY26/27 will you be reaching out with a renewal pricing request?

Answer 2 Renewal language regarding pricing is outlined as not to exceed increases in the CPI index (page 7).

Question 3 Page 7, in the Preparation of RFP Bid Submissions section, it states that unsigned proposals will not be considered. Do the pricing spreadsheets (Attachments I, J, K) require signatures too?

Answer 3 Signatures are required where indicated in the RFP documents.

Question 4 Page 10, in the Disclosure section, states that proposals will not be made a part of the public record until after the member districts have completed their diversion with ODE and awarded products have been announced. Please advise when diversions should be completed. Is the date March 7, 2025 as noted on the RFP timeline?

Answer 4 The date in the RFP is estimated. The Oregon Department of Education establishes this date and can be found by visiting https://www.oregon.gov/ode/students-and-family/childnutrition/pages/default.aspx

Question 5 Please clarify the proposal due date. Page 17, Attachment E/Cover Sheet, states January 29, 2025. Everywhere else in the RFP document states January 23, 2025.

Answer 5 The 29th is a typographical error. The due date for the RFP response is January 23, 2025 https://www.oregon.gov/ode/students-and-family/childnutrition/pages/default.aspx

Question 6 Page 19, Attachment G/Addenda Acknowledgment:When is the latest an addenda could be issued?

Answer 6 January 14, 2025: Responses to Questions, Errors, and Clarifications

Question 7 Do Q&A responses need to be included in the acknowledgement?

Answer 7 The Q&A responses do not need to be included in the acknowledgement response

Question 8 Pages 25 & 27, Attachments M and N give the option for multiple authorized representatives to sign the documents. Are you requiring more than one authorized representative to sign or is one signature acceptable for the bid submission?

Answer 8 Submissions should include signature(s), as required by the proposing organization, that are qualified and have authority to enter into a binding agreement on behalf of the listed organization.

Question 9 Page 32, Attachment A states that items are to be fully cooked unless otherwise noted. Please provide additional details for this requirement. Is it required that all products are fully cooked? If bidding a product that is not fully cooked, will it be considered?

Answer 9 Submitted products should be prepared, stored, and controlled in a manner that is expected for the category listed. No raw or unprocessed products are requested in this RFP.

Question 10 Can multiple codes be bid per spec/line item?

Answer 10 One product will be awarded per specification listed in Attachment A

Question 11 Page 7, SEPDS: It states multiple products to be included on each page; however, the example noted shows “5551122 Pepperoni pizza 16”, ABC Company, SEPDS”. Please confirm if the SEPDS information needs to be provided with each product code or if a single SEPDS file will be acceptable?

Answer 11 An SEPDS statement may have multiple items listed. It is recommended the product name(s) that are being proposed be included in the file naming convention

Question 12 I'm wondering if our company is eligible to apply for this RFP. We currently provide BBQ sauce and link sausages to school districts. We participated in last years buyers conference in Salem and are currently providing our foods to nine districts in Oregon.

Answer 12 This commodity diversion RFP is for the specific items listed in Attachment A. These are end-products that are processed from USDA sourced commodities, as described in the RFP document.

Question 13 There are 2 RFP Item # SP03 in the Pizza – Whole category. Please advise if one of the SP03’s should be a different RRP Item #.

Answer 13 Correct, “Pizza Pepperoni proof-n-bake 16” round” should be specified as SP04.

Question 14 Pizza – Whole category, RFP Item # SP02 & SP03: Please provide additional details on what you are looking for when stating “proof-n-bake”. Are you looking for a rising crust option, a par-baked option, or a pre-sliced option?

Answer 14 The term “proofing” refers to a yeast activity of fermentation or rising

Question 15 Pizza – Single Serve category, RFP Item # SP05 & SP08: RFP 2023-25 was awarded both a 5”/6” round and a 16” Wedge/Pre-Sliced type of product; what type of product are you looking for? 4x6 square? 5”/6” round? 16” Wedge/Pre-Sliced?

Answer 15 Refer to the descriptions listed in Attachment A for determining qualification of submitted products that meet the specifications. No further clarification is warranted.

Question 16 Pizza – Single Serve category, RFP Item # SP16 & SP17: Are you looking for a red sauce or a white sauce?

Question 16 The sauce type is not included in the specification. The proposer should determine which product would best meet the specification(s) included

Question 17 When is the actual deadline for USDA Direct Delivery and Diversion Processing with ODE?

Answer 17 ODE has identified March 14, 2025 as the final day for Districts to place USDA Direct Delivery and Diversion Processing orders for the 2025-26 School Year.

Question 18 For the OCNC Select RFP for SY23-24, one of our products was specified and awarded:

Mandarin Orange Chicken Rice Bowl #8-52724-16668-1

However, we don't see this product specified on Attachment A Product List. Has this product been removed from the RFP?

Answer 18 Yes. Members determined this product did not need to be included in this solicitation and was not included.

Question 19 Will the OCNC's Economy Bid be released at a later date?

Answer 19 OCNC’s procurement calendar includes the Select RFP (this solicitation) and the Economy RFP in alternating years. A revised Economy RFP will be released during the next school year.

Question 20 Can you please provide estimated annual usage for line items SC01, SC02, SC03, and SC04?

Answer 20 As per the description in the RFP, pricing is sought for member districts without declaring volume. Member district USDA product diversion totals are available on the OCNC.org website under Select RFP

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