27NUTRL7 - Q and A.docx

This is a Questions and Answers document for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Request for Responses (RFR) 27NUTRL7 for low-sugar dried cranberries sourced exclusively from Massachusetts. The procurement seeks a processor to supply dried cranberries in two flavors—Fruit Punch and Raspberry Lemonade—packaged in cases containing 200 packets of 1.16 ounces each with a maximum of 12 grams of sugar per packet. Products must meet cup fruit requirements for Child Nutrition regulations, be peanut free, Buy American compliant, and contain no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or sweeteners. Responses were due August 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time, with the Q&A submission deadline set for July 28, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET. No pre-bid conference was scheduled. The initial contract term runs from approval through June 30, 2027, with renewal options available for up to four additional one-year periods through June 30, 2031.

The Q&A document addresses submission requirements regarding product delivery logistics, specifically clarifying that vendors are not required to deliver directly to DESE but rather to DESE's state-contracted warehouse or distributor. Pricing must be submitted on a per-case delivered basis as all-inclusive. Year 1 pricing is firm, with price increases in renewal years capped at five percent based on the Boston-Cambridge-Newton Consumer Price Index, subject to departmental approval and 30-day notice. Evaluation criteria include financial resources to sustain operations (25 points), unit cost reasonableness (25 points), contract manageability including delivery logistics (20 points), relevant experience and performance history with DESE (20 points), and Massachusetts location preference (10 points). Mandatory qualifications include adequate warehouse space and vehicles, current Massachusetts operating licenses, and documented Food Defense and Recall Procedures. DESE reserves the right to award to a single vendor or multiple vendors.