35445_Apr_20_26_solicitation_doc.pdf

This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) document issued by the Nutmeg Buying Group, a consortium of six Connecticut school districts (New Milford, Plainville, Region 15, Thomaston, Watertown, and Wolcott) in Middlesex County. The solicitation seeks sealed proposals for frozen dessert products and delivery services for the 2026-2027 school year, running from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The procurement will supply frozen dessert items from a pre-approved product list of 31 items to approximately 13,980 students across all school locations, with weekly delivery required between 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM to designated freezer storage coolers. Proposals must be submitted in sealed format to Plainville High School, Attn: Ashley Carl, RDN, Director of Food and Nutrition, 47 Robert Holcomb Way, Plainville, CT 06062, by Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM EDT. No faxed or emailed submissions are accepted. Awards are expected within two weeks of the due date. The contract includes an option to renew for one additional year (2027-2028) with written consent of both parties prior to the anniversary date.

All frozen dessert products must meet Connecticut Nutrition Standards and USDA "Buy America" requirements, with domestic production mandated unless written exceptions are approved. Pricing must remain fixed for the entire contract period, and fuel charges are not permitted as part of proposals. Awards will be evaluated on a 100-point scale: 60 points for lowest price, 15 points for accuracy of delivery and timeliness, 10 points for customer service, 10 points for past history and references, and 5 points for availability of online ordering. Delivery terms are Free On Board (FOB) Destination, while payment terms are to be specified by vendors. The solicitation is open to all vendors with no stated set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational type. Vendors must demonstrate appropriate insurance coverage and safe food handling practices. No specific contract value or budget range is stated in the solicitation materials; interested parties should contact Ashley Carl at (860) 793-3234 or Carla@planvilleschools.org for additional specifications and procurement details.