ESBD_489659_1772202750703_2026-1029 Addendum 1 Complete.pdf

McAllen Independent School District | 2000 N. 23rd Street, McAllen, TX 78501 | Phone: (956) 657-4480 | Fax: (956) 657-4481

LAURA WILLIAMS

Director of Purchasing Services

ADDENDUM #1

McAllen Independent School District is providing the following clarification(s) and/or modification(s) to the referenced project. This information is to be considered a part of the solicitation documents.

February 25, 2026

RE: Request for Proposal No. 2026-1029 – Fresh Produce for Child Nutrition Program

Please note the following changes for the referenced project.

• Specifications and Scope of Work have been revised (refer to Attachments tab)

• Evaluation Matrix (Attachment A) has been revised (refer to Attachments tab)

NOTE: Vendors are responsible for viewing Ionwave regularly to ensure that no addenda or additional information have been issued for the solicitation.

McALLEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Request for Proposal No. 2026-1029 – Fresh Produce for Child Nutrition Program

Specifications and Scope of Work - Revised

Addendum 1

1.0 BACKGROUND

McAllen Independent School District (the “District”) is a multicultural community of nearly 20,000 students. The District is an inclusive community where all students are empowered to reach their full potential. The District covers thirty-three (33) square miles and employs approximately 3,200 staff. The District has thirty-one (31) campuses, including eighteen (18) elementary schools, six (6) middle schools, three (3) comprehensive high schools, and four (4) specialty campuses.

Officers of the District are:

Aaron D. Rivera, President Lucia Regalado, Vice-President Dr. Elizabeth Kittleman, Secretary Robert J. Carreon, Trustee Erica de la Garza-Lopez, Trustee Roberto A. Haddad, Trustee Sofia M. Peña, Trustee Dr. René Gutiérrez, Superintendent

2.0 INTENT

It is the intent of the District, through this Request for Proposal (“RFP”), to select respondent(s) (“Respondent”), offering the best value for Fresh Produce for Child Nutrition Program.

3.0 REQUIREMENTS

The Specifications and Scope of Work (“SOW”) will take precedence over the General Terms and Conditions when they are in conflict. Please read the General Terms and Conditions and the following information carefully. Any exceptions to these General Terms and Conditions and SOW may cause a Respondent to be disqualified.

4.0 TERM AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT

4.1 The period of the contract (“Contract”) resulting from this RFP will be for a term of one (1) year, commencing on April 9, 2026, with the option to renew for four (4) additional one (1) year terms.

4.2 Termination without Cause. District shall have the right to terminate this contract without cause with thirty (30) days’ written notice to the Respondent.

4.3 Termination with Cause.

4.3.1 Termination by District. District may terminate this Contract immediately upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

4.3.1.1 Any conduct of the Respondent, which jeopardizes the health, safety, or welfare of any person, or the safety, reputation, or the regular functions of the District.

4.3.1.2 Failure to provide evidence of liability insurance, as required.

4.3.1.3 Failure of Respondent to immediately bar any individual from performing services under this Contract, if such individual does not meet the qualifications required by this Contract or if such individual commits a material breach of one of the terms of this Contract.

4.3.1.4 In addition, if the Respondent commits a material breach of any of the terms of this Contract, other than those listed in subsections 4.3.1.1 through 4.3.1.3 above, District may terminate this Contract upon no less than thirty (30) days’ written notice.

4.4 Respondent shall not be entitled to lost profits or any further compensation not earned prior to the time of cancellation.

5.0 PRICING, INVOICING AND PAYMENT

The pricing offered through this RFP must remain firm for the term of the Contract. Price decreases and/or discount percentage in favor of the District are acceptable at any time throughout the term of the contract. In case of a price increase required due to market shortage or market change, documentation must be submitted for approval to Laura Williams, Director of Purchasing Services at laura.williams@mcallenisd.net.

6.0 RE-SOLICIT

The District has the right to reject all responses, re-solicit if only one response is received by the deadline, or to extend the RFP response deadline.

REFERENCES

7.0 Respondent shall obtain a minimum of three (3) references from other school districts of similar size (approximately thirty (30) campuses) for similar services within the past five (5) years (2021-2025).

References must complete the “District Reference Form” (See Attachments tab).

8.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA

In determining who will be awarded, the District shall consider:

8.1 the purchase price;

8.2 the reputation of the vendor and of the vendor’s goods or services;

8.3 the quality of the vendor’s goods or services;

8.4 the extent to which the goods or services meet the District’s needs;

8.5 the vendor’s past relationship with the District;

8.6 the impact on the ability of the District to comply with laws and rules relating to historically underutilized businesses (in accordance with 2 CFR 200.321); in accordance with Texas Education Code 44.031(b)(6) or Small and Minority Firms, Women’s Business Enterprises, Veteran-Owned Businesses, and Labor Surplus Area Firms in accordance with 2 CFR 200.321

8.7 the total long-term cost to the District to acquire the vendor’s goods or service;

8.8 for a contract for goods and services, other than goods and services related to telecommunications and information services, building construction and maintenance, or instructional materials, whether the vendor or the vendor's ultimate parent company or majority owner:

8.8.1 has its principal place of business in this state; or

8.8.2 employs at least 500 persons in this state; and

8.9 any other relevant factor specifically listed in the request for proposals.

8.10 Federally Funded Projects shall be in accordance with:

8.10.1 Code of Federal Regulations, 2 CFR 200.320; or

8.10.2 United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) guidelines, 2 CFR 200; and

8.10.3 Buy American Act Guidelines.

8.11 Relative Weights:

8.11.1 Relative weights for state and local criteria: 98%

8.11.2 Relative weights for federally funded criteria: 2% as applicable

Refer to Attachment “A” for weights.

9.0 EVALUATION COMMITTEE.

The evaluation committee comprised of Lorena Garcia, Deputy Superintendent for Business & Operations; Sonia Esquivel, Director of Child Nutrition; Liz Montes, CNP Procurement Specialist; Scott Nelson, Sourcing & Cost Specialist; Laura Williams, Director of Purchasing Services; Elizabeth Cabrera, Coordinator for Purchasing Services; and Carol Quintanilla, Senior Buyer, will evaluate the RFP and recommend the successful vendor(s).

10.0 COMMUNICATION WITH DISTRICT PERSONNEL

Respondent submitting a proposal shall not discuss this RFP with employees of District or members of the Board of Trustees. Communication includes, but is not limited to, unsolicited literature, email, faxes, or phone calls related to any aspect of this RFP. If discussion is necessary, you will be notified in writing. Failure to abide by this requirement will result in automatic disqualification at the discretion of the District. All questions must be posted on the Questions tab.

11.0 SCOPE OF WORK

11.1 The District intends to award contracts, on a “Qualified” basis, to multiple Respondents meeting the requirements listed in this section.

11.1.1 For purposes of comparison, evaluation and for cost/price analysis of this RFP, Respondents shall submit pricing for items listed in the “Line Items” tab.

11.1.1.1 Due to potential market fluctuations, “Line Items” shall reflect prices in effect for the week of February 16, 2026, to February 20, 2026.

11.2 The District will solicit quotes monthly and/or weekly quotes from Qualified Vendor(s) via a

Request for Quote “RFQ”, as per Section 11.3 and 11.4.

11.2.1 Awards for weekly and/or monthly RFQ’s will be made to one vendor, based on a comparative price evaluation among responsive and responsible vendors. Items and quantities will be determined at the time of the order.

11.2.2 Respondent(s) shall:

11.2.2.1 Maintain facilities approved by the United States Department of Agriculture

(“USDA”). Upload copy of USDA-approved Facilities Certificate on “Response Attachments” tab.

11.2.2.2 Maintain a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (“HACCP”) Plan.

Upload copy of HACCP Plan on “Response Attachments” tab.

11.2.2.3 Maintain a documented product recall plan outlining procedures for notifying affected parties and addressing recalled products. Upload copy of Recall of Produce Items Plan on “Response Attachments” tab.

11.2.2.4 Provide the most recent produce inspection report issued by the local health department or the USDA (report must be dated 2024 or later). Upload Produce Inspection Report on “Response Attachments” tab.

11.2.2.5 Utilize appropriately refrigerated delivery vehicles to ensure produce freshness and quality during transport.

11.2.2.6 Maintain an active pest elimination service covering all business locations, produce storage facilities, and delivery vehicles.

11.2.3 The District may give geographic preference, when evaluating proposals, to local farmers where produce is grown and harvested within a fifty (50) mile or less distance from McAllen, Texas, and within the United States in accordance with the Texas Education Code, Section 44.042 (a) and (b), as follows:

11.2.3.1 (a) A school district that purchases agricultural products shall give preference to those produced, processed, or grown in this state if the cost to the school district is equal and the quality is equal.

11.2.3.2 (b) If agricultural products produced, processed, or grown in this state, are not equal in cost and quality to other products, the school district shall give preference to agricultural products produced, processed, or grown in other states of the United States over foreign products if the cost to the school district is equal and the quality is equal.

11.2.4 The Buy American Act, set forth in 7 CFR Part 210.21(d), requires that participants in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program use the federal nonprofit food service funds, to the maximum extent practical, to buy domestic commodities or products.

11.2.4.1 Title 7 CFR Part 210.21(d) defines “domestic commodity or product “as one that is:

11.2.4.1.1 an agricultural commodity that is produced in the United States

(“U.S.”); and

11.2.4.1.2 a food product that is processed in the U. S. substantially using agricultural commodities that are produced in the U.S.

11.2.4.1.2.1 “Substantially” means that over 51 percent of the final processed product consists of agricultural commodities that were grown domestically.

11.2.5 Exceptions to the Buy American provision are allowed based on the following:

11.2.5.1 A domestic food product is not available in the specified quantity or quality; or

11.2.5.2 There is no domestic alternative source or substitute food product; or

11.2.5.3 The costs of a U.S. product are significantly higher than the non-domestic product.

11.2.5.3.1 If proposing non-domestic produce, Respondent(s) shall submit a completed Buy American Provision Exception Request Form (refer to Attachment B in the “Attachments” tab). Upload Buy American Provision Exception Request Form on “Response Attachments” tab.

11.2.5.3.2 Failure to submit the Buy American Provision Exception Request Form when proposing non-domestic produce, as required in Section 11.2.5, may result in disqualification of the proposal.

11.2.6 The Child Nutrition Program (“CNP”) will monitor the availability of domestic and non-domestic foods as of the award date using data from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (“AMS”) weekly market report.

11.2.7 Qualified Vendor(s) shall:

11.2.7.1 Maintain an established place of business and comply with all practices, processes, and protocols established by applicable local, state, and federal agencies relevant to the Respondent’s field of service and goods provided.

11.2.7.2 Comply with all applicable state and federal guidelines for quality control and food handling.

11.2.7.3 Have access to a laboratory or testing facility capable of testing for, at a minimum, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella, and other applicable pathogens.

11.2.7.4 Ensure delivery personnel are uniformed and clearly display the company name. Delivery personnel shall not have access to students.

11.2.7.5 Provide, upon request by CNP, a valid food handler’s permit or comparable food safety certification for delivery drivers who have direct contact with produce.

11.2.7.6 Ensure all produce is delivered in clean, well-maintained, refrigerated vehicles.

11.2.7.7 Deliver produce to District cafeterias no later than 6:30 a.m., unless otherwise approved by CNP. Delivery sites are listed on Attachment C (refer to “Attachments” tab.)

11.2.7.7.1 Monthly Awarded Vendor(s) shall deliver produce to all thirty

(30) campus sites and the Central Kitchen.

11.2.7.7.2 Weekly Awarded Vendor(s) shall deliver produce only to the sites identified in the applicable request for quote.

11.2.7.8 Ensure that all delivered produce has a minimum shelf-life of five (5) days from the date of delivery.

11.2.7.8.1 CNP staff will inspect all produce deliveries. Produce that does not meet specifications as determined by industry standards and verified during inspection shall be picked up and replaced or credited by the Awarded Vendor.

11.2.7.8.2 Unacceptable produce may include, but is not limited to, items that are spoiled, damaged, overripe, crushed, wilted, or otherwise compromised. Produce exhibiting any signs of decay will not be accepted.

11.2.7.9 Ensure all deliveries are accompanied by an invoice that is signed and left with CNP personnel at each campus site. This invoice shall be used to reconcile the invoice submitted by the Awarded Vendor.

11.3 RFQ’s (Monthly). The District’s CNP will solicit monthly produce Requests for Quotes (“RFQs”) from Qualified Vendor(s).

11.3.1 CNP will distribute the monthly produce RFQs by email to all qualified vendors approximately three (3) weeks prior to the anticipated delivery date. To be considered for the monthly award, Vendor(s) shall submit price quotes by the deadline specified in the RFQ. Each quote shall include the company name, date, and phone number.

11.3.2 Vendor(s) proposing non-domestic produce in response to a monthly RFQ shall submit a completed Buy American Provision Exception Request Form, including justification for the requested exemption, in accordance with Section 11.2.5.

11.3.3 Each produce item quoted in a monthly RFQ shall include applicable pack size and product specifications.

11.3.4 CNP reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to accept or reject any deviations identified in an RFQ response.

11.3.5 CNP reserves the right to reject a vendor’s quote, or to reject any portion of the quote, due to unsatisfactory service, product quality, or unsanitary conditions.

11.3.6 CNP will notify the Monthly Awarded Vendor by email and will provide tabulated orders electronically and a Purchase Order no later than one (1) week prior to the required delivery date.

11.4 RFQ’s (Weekly). The District’s CNP will solicit weekly produce Request for Quotes (“RFQs”) from Qualified Vendor(s) on an “as-needed” basis.

11.4.1 CNP will distribute the weekly produce RFQs by email to all qualified vendors approximately three (3) weeks prior to the anticipated delivery date. To be considered for the weekly award, Vendor(s) shall submit price quotes by the deadline specified in the RFQ. Each quote shall include the company name, date, and phone number.

11.4.2 Vendor(s) proposing non-domestic produce in response to a weekly RFQ shall submit a completed Buy American Provision Exception Request Form, including justification for the requested exemption, in accordance with Section 11.2.5.

11.4.3 Each produce item quoted in a weekly RFQ shall include pack size and product specifications.

11.4.4 CNP reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to accept or reject any deviations identified in an RFQ response.

11.4.5 CNP reserves the right to reject a vendor’s quote, or to reject any portion of the quote, due to unsatisfactory service, product quality, or unsanitary conditions.

11.4.6 CNP staff will notify the Weekly awarded Vendor by email and will provide tabulated orders electronically and a Purchase Order no later than one (1) week prior to the required delivery date.

11.5 Product substitution requests shall be made a minimum of seventy-two (72) hours prior to a scheduled delivery by emailing a Product Substitution Request Form (refer to Attachment D in the “Attachments” tab) to Liz Montes, CNP Procurement Specialist at emontes@mcallenisd.net

11.5.1 All substitution requests must receive prior approval from CNP.

11.5.1.1 All substituted products shall be of equal or higher quality, and the price shall be equal to or less than the price quoted for the requested item(s).

11.6 Invoices and weekly account statements shall be submitted to CNP via email to:

11.6.1.1 Cynthia Zamarripa, CNP Accounts Payable Clerk at

cynthia.zamarripa@mcallenisd.net.

11.6.1.2 Maricela Meza, CNP Specialist Budget & Cost at

maricela.meza@mcallenisd.net.

11.6.1.3 Invoices for produce are received, closed, and paid by CNP

11.7 ADDITION OF GOODS: During the contract term, the District may request quotes from the Qualified Vendor(s) for additional produce items not listed in the RFP to ensure that the District CNP students’ needs are met.

12.0 NON-EXCLUSIVE

Nothing in this RFP may be construed or implied that the Qualified Vendor has the exclusive right to provide the services or products covered in this proposal. The District reserves the right to utilize other contracts, including state of Texas contracts or approved cooperative purchasing agreements, if deemed in the best interest of the District.

13.0 PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING

A Pre-Proposal conference will be held on February 19, 2026, at 10:30 A.M. (CST) at the Administration Building, Dr. Ricardo Chapa Board Room, 2000 N. 23rd Street, McAllen, Texas. All prospective Respondents are encouraged to attend.

14.0 AWARD INFORMATION

Award information will be available for download from our website within ninety (90) days of opening:

https://mcallenisdtx.sites.thrillshare.com/page/awarded-vendors.

15.0 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL

The District prefers and encourages Respondents to submit their response through Ionwave (https://mcallenisd.ionwave.net), however, we will accept submittals in a sealed envelope via mail or hand delivered. Email Carol Quintanilla, CTCD, Senior Buyer at carolina.quintanilla@mcallenisd.net for address and mailing instructions.

Attachment "A" Revised (Addendum 1)

No. Criteria Max. Pts.

Total Points 100 Ranking

1 Price 51

2 Reputation of the vendor and of the vendor's goods or services; 3

3 The quality of the vendor’s goods or services 20

4 The extent to which the goods or services meet District’s needs 16

5 Past Relationship with District 0

HUB (TEC 44.031(b)(6)) or Small and Minority Firms, Women's Business Enterprises, Veteran-Owned Businesses, and Labor Surplus Area Firms (2 CFR 200.321) 0

Total long-term cost to the district to acquire the vendor's goods or services; 5

Vendor or the vendor's ultimate parent company or majority owner has its principal place of business in this state or employs at least 500 persons in this state 1

Any other relevant factor specifically listed in the request for bids or proposals. 4 Any item with zero (0) points will not be included in the total maximum evaluation points for consideration. Only when a value is assigned to the above criteria is it utilized and applied. Historically Under-Utilized Businesses (HUB), women minority, small, disadvantaged businesses selection criteria are excluded; District does not have HUB utilization goals.