l. Questions and Answers, Amendment 1, PA180735.docx

This is an Amendment #1 Questions and Answers document issued by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) in response to inquiries regarding RFB #PA180735 for the processing of USDA bulk cheese into cheese slices for distribution to Wisconsin schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. The contract involves processing USDA Bulk Cheese (Natural American FDB Barrel, Material ID Code #110242) into reduced-fat cheese slices to be distributed to eligible schools and institutions, including public and private schools and Summer Food Service Program participants. Bidder products will be qualified through taste testing, responsiveness to bid requirements, technical specifications, and additional testing as deemed necessary by the State. The contract year cycle includes annual updates to the Summary End Product Data Schedule (SEPDS), with updated documentation required to be posted by June 30 each year using the current "Average Price File for Processors."

A critical requirement clarified in this amendment is that bidders must have a current USDA-approved SEPDS in place at the time of bid submission, as referenced in Section 3.2.12 of the RFB. Bidders are required to provide a copy of their most recent SEPDS and maintain current listings on the USDA Foods National Processing Community Partner website. Throughout the contract term, contractors must notify the Department whenever an updated USDA-approved SEPDS is posted to the website. The State's objective is to procure the best product that passes student taste tests at the lowest cost per serving, with contract award and pricing terms contingent upon meeting these technical and quality requirements.