36407_May_25_26_solicitation_doc.pdf

This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) solicitation document issued by the Hartford Public Schools Food & Child Nutrition Services Department in Hartford, Connecticut for the delivery of dairy and/or local produce products to serve approximately 20,000 students across multiple school locations during the 2026-2027 school year. Vendors may submit proposals for the dairy component only, the local produce component only, or both categories. The dairy portion requires delivery of multiple milk products in 8-ounce cartons (1% white milk, fat-free chocolate milk, fat-free strawberry milk, and whole milk) plus gallon-size 1% white milk and Lactaid milk to 37 school locations and a central warehouse via two established routes, with milk delivered every other day on mutually agreed-upon schedules and estimated annual quantities of approximately 400 gallons of 1% white milk plus additional volumes of specialty milk products. The local produce component seeks Connecticut-grown hydroponic lettuce varieties (green leaf, red leaf, arugula, and butterhead) and spring mix in 3-5 pound boxes delivered at least weekly to the central warehouse only, with a minimum seven-day shelf life upon receipt. The solicitation opened on April 23, 2026, with proposals due by 3:00 PM on May 26, 2026, and award opening scheduled for May 27, 2026. The contract term runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with potential for renewal negotiations at the District's discretion.

Pricing for dairy products is based on Federal Milk Market Administrator Class 1 milk prices in Federal Order #1 as of April 1, 2026, with provisions for monthly price adjustments; delivery terms are Free On Board Destination with vendor-specified payment terms. Dairy products are evaluated based on pricing (35 points), product specifications (20 points), service and deliveries (20 points), discounts and rebates (5 points), and past experience (15 points), while local produce is evaluated on pricing (35 points), product specifications and quality (25 points), service and deliveries (20 points), and velocity usage reports (20 points). All vendors are eligible to respond with no identified set-aside designations or restrictions limiting organizational types, though vendors must provide proof of EEO certification and comply with all state and federal health, safety, and procurement regulations. Bidders must submit completed response forms, pricing sheets on flash drive in Excel format, proof of EEO certification, a statement of qualifications, and business documentation. The estimated total contract value is not specified in the solicitation documentation, and no incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified. Hartford Public Schools reserves the right to award contracts to multiple vendors and to reject any or all proposals. The primary point of contact is Christopher Scoppetta, RDN, CDN, Director of Food & Child Nutrition Services, at 860-695-8491 or Christopher.Scoppetta@hartfordschools.org.