Produce_2025-2026.pdf

For more information, please visit our online supplier portal, located at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/newhavenct

City of New Haven, CT

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

2025-RFP-174

PRODUCE 2025-2026

RELEASE DATE: March 26, 2025

RESPONSE DEADLINE: April 22, 2025, 11:00 am

Please refer to the project timeline in this document for all important deadlines.

Request For Proposal #2025-RFP-174

Title: Produce 2025-2026

Table Of Contents

1. Project Summary

1.1. Summary

1.2. Timeline

1.3. Procurement Contact

2. Instructions to Respondents

2.1. Internet Access

2.2. Solicitation Downloads

2.3. Inquiries for Clarification

2.4. Addendum to Bid Documents

2.5. Contract Term

2.6. Insurance Requirements

2.7. Certification and Licenses

2.8. Unit Prices, Solicitation Quantities and Tax-Exempt Status

2.9. Local Preference Ordinance

2.10. Equal Employment Opportunity

2.11. Alternate Responses

2.12. Pricing Sheet

2.13. Solicitation Process and Submission

2.14. Solicitation Protest

2.15. Award of Contract

2.16. Execution of Contract

2.17. Notice to Proceed

2.18. No Purchase Order – No Payment Policy

2.19. Electronic Invoice Policy

2.20. Payment Policy

3. Project Details

3.1. Proposal Specifications

3.2. Evaluation Criteria

3.3. Calculation Sheet

3.4. Response Submittals

3.5. Attachments

Attachments:

A - Exhibit_Commodity Contract

B - Sample Velocity Report

C - good_food_purchasing_vendor_resources_standards_3.0_jan_2025

D - Supplemental Catalog for items

1. Project Summary

1.1. Summary

Contract Name: Produce 2025-2026

Solicitation #: 2025-RFP-174

Department: NHPS-Food Service

The City of New Haven, Board of Education, Food and Nutrition Department (referred hereon in as “Food

Service”) is soliciting a Request for Proposals from qualified respondent(s) to provide Fresh Fruit and Produce for the Food Service program during fiscal year 2025-2026. This solicitation includes summer programs, the

USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and Food Service school year 2025-2026 produce needs. There are approximately 224 service days, with 21,000 meals per day for the summer and school year programs.

1.2. Timeline

Solicitation/Advertise Date: March 26, 2025

Pre-Proposal Meeting (Non-Mandatory): April 8, 2025, 2:00pm

Microsoft Teams Meeting ID: 280 925 263 993

Passcode: rE2zU2uF

Question & Clarification Deadline: April 15, 2025, 11:00am

Solicitation Due Date: April 22, 2025, 11:00am

1.3. Procurement Contact

Michael Trnik

Procurement Coordinator

54 Meadow Street, 4th Fllor

New Haven, CT 06519

2. Instructions to Respondents

2.1. Internet Access

A. The City cannot guarantee that equipment involved in Solicitation Submission and/or solicitation technology will be available to provide information or receive transmittals. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have current information and that your Submission is received at the designated location complete and on time. The City is not responsible for the confidentiality of information transmitted over the Internet.

B. Downloading solicitations of any type does not obligate the City to send you future notifications of solicitations or addendum updates.

C. It is the Respondent's responsibility to review your status on our website and update your contact information accordingly.

D. The City does not recommend waiting till the last day to start and/or submit your response.

2.2. Solicitation Downloads

A. Every part of this document may be downloaded from the website at no cost to you. If you require a third party to print the specifications and/or drawings, that cost will be borne by you.

B. Drawing File Format: PDF

C. Click on the "Downloads" to download the drawings.

D. If you don't have Adobe Acrobat and you wish to view the files in PDF format, Download the application here: https://get.adobe.com/reader/

E. Drawings - The following three local firms are examples of companies that can reproduce drawings and/or any portion of the documents. These suggestions are not to be considered endorsements in any way. Any other firm with the AutoCAD, DWG, DXF, DWF & CSF Viewers will also be able to reproduce the drawing files.

2.3. Inquiries for Clarification

A. The City will not respond to a Respondent's request(s) for oral interpretation and/or clarification of the

Solicitation Specifications for any reason.

B. The City will respond to a Respondent’s written request(s) for interpretation and/or clarification of the

Solicitation Specifications.

1. Any written Inquiry for Clarification must be received seven (7) or more business days prior to the

Closing Date. Any request received by the City after this deadline will not be given consideration.

2. Every request for such an interpretation shall be made in writing via City’s e-Procurement Portal's

Question & Answer feature.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/newhavenct/projects/149606 https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/newhavenct/projects/149606

3. Please do not send questions or requests for clarification in a PDF format.

4. Every interpretation made to a Respondent will be in the form of an Addendum or Question &

Answer to the Solicitation Documents.

2.4. Addendum to Bid Documents

A. All Addenda to the Solicitation Documents shall become part of the Solicitation. Respondents are required to check the Website for Addendum. Each Respondent shall be bound by such Addenda whether or not received/viewed by the Respondent.

B. Questions are submitted through your account and the selected solicitation Web Address:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/newhavenct/projects/149606, through the “Question &

Answer” section to submit your question(s).

C. We will endeavor to post Addendums regarding Inquires for Clarification, not less than five (5) calendar days prior to the Bid Closing Date and Time.

D. Addendums regarding extension of time will be posted on the City website, any time prior to the

Solicitation Closing Date and Time.

2.5. Contract Term

The term of the contract is one (1) year. All renewals will be at the sole discretion of the City and pursuant to the same terms and conditions.

2.6. Insurance Requirements

Proof of insurance is not required to be submitted with your response unless specifically requested, but will be required prior to the City's award of the contract. Refer to the Insurance requirements in the "Insurance

Requirements" section of this document.

The City requires all contractual work to be insured as identified in the following sections.

The term “Contractor” and/or “subcontractor” as used in this section, shall mean, and include Contractors and subcontractors of every tier.

Each Solicitation, Agreement and/or Award will include a specific Risk Template which will detail all the insurance requirements for the project.

Any policies maintained by the contractor and its owned and/or rented equipment and materials shall contain a provision requiring insurance companies to waive their rights of subrogation against the City of New Haven

(Owner) and all other Indemnities named in the contract.

City of New Haven requires all contractors and vendors whose work or services may bring them into direct contact with youth under the age of 21 years to carry a minimum of $1 million in Abuse and Molestation insurance coverage.

Direct contact refers to situations where vendors directly interact with, supervise, or provide services to youth under the age of 21.

Examples of vendors subject to this requirement include:

Therapists Medical professionals Before and after-school program providers

Vendors excluded from this requirement include:

On-call facility-related repair services and construction services (e.g., plumbers, electricians, general contractors, roofers) who do not have direct contact with youth.

This requirement applies to all vendors working on projects within:

City of New Haven facilities New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) facilities

Certificates of Insurance

The successful bidder shall provide certificates with a minimum AM Best’s rating of “A-“VIII of insurance, showing coverage by an insurance carrier authorized by the State of Connecticut to write insurance in the State.

The certificates shall show the City as an additional name insured. Said certificate should contain the following endorsements.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE MUST INCLUDE:

A. The City of New Haven shall be named as an additional insured with subrogation.

B. Endorsement shall include the work description, Contract/Project name and location.

C. Insurance agent contact information, name, email and phone number

D. An endorsement that the insurance company will give at least thirty (30) days written notice to the City prior to any modification or cancellation of any such insurance coverage.

POLICY REVIEW AND APPROVAL

At the discretion of the City, the Contractor may be asked to submit to the City copies of insurance policies for review and approval. The City may, in writing, notify the Contractor of any disapproval of any such policies, and satisfactory policies shall be provided in place of those disapproved.

The Respondent shall submit an insurance certificate in addition to a copy of each policy if requested. The

Contractor shall require its subcontractors to obtain policies of similar insurance before each commences work.

All such insurance shall be carried with financially responsible insurance companies, licensed in the State and approved by the City and shall be kept in force until the Contractor’s work is accepted by the City, which expire before the Contractor’s work is accepted by the City shall be renewed and submitted to the City for its approval.

A. Insurance will be required for the entire term of the contract. The insurance agent contact information(name , email, phone number) must be on the COI. COI are to be emailed to your project contact(see award notice) and NHpurchasingCOI@newhavenct.gov.

B. Renewal Certificates of insurance should email to support@certificail.com

Contractor/Vendor shall agree to always maintain in force during the contract the following minimum coverage and shall name the City of New Haven as an Additional Insured (1) on a primary and non-contributory basis to all policies except Workers Compensation and Professional Liability. All policies, except Professional Liability, should also include a Waiver of Subrogation.

2.6.1. General Liability

Minimum Limits (dollar amount indicates required minimum)

Additional Insured (Y indicates required)

Waiver of Subrogation (Y indicatesrequired)

Each Occurrence $1,000,000 Y Y

Combined

Aggregate

$2,000,000 Y Y

Products/Completed Operations

Aggregate

$2,000,000 Y Y

2.6.2. BUILDER’S RISK / INSTALLATION FLOATERS (when applicable) When this contract or agreement includes the construction of and/or the addition to a permanent structure or building; including the installation of machinery and/or equipment, the following insurance coverage must be afforded:

Coverage Form: Completed Value, All Risk in an amount equal to 100% of the value upon completion or value of equipment to be installed.

2.6.3. Additional Information

If any policy is written on a “Claims Made” basis, the policy must be continually renewed for a minimum of two years from the completion date of this contract. If the policy is replaced and/or the retroactive date is changed, then the expiring policy must be endorsed to extend the reporting period for claims for the policy in effect during the contract for two) years from the completion date.

Original, completed Certificates of Insurance must be presented to the City of New Haven via Certificial prior to contract issuance. Contractor/Vendor agrees to provide replacement/renewal certificates at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of the policies. Should any of the polices be cancelled, limits reduced, or coverage altered, 30 days written notice must be given to the City.

mailto:NHpurchasingCOI@newhavenct.gov mailto:support@certificail.com

2.6.4. Notes

• Additional Insured & Waiver of Subrogation boxes must be checked off on the COI.

• If contractor/vendor will be providing a service in proximity or serving youth under the age of 21, Abuse and Molestation coverage must be included.

• City of New Haven is the Certificate holder and the additional insured.

City of New Haven 200 Orange Street Rm 301 New Haven, CT 06510

2.7. Certification and Licenses

If the service(s) that you are providing is a service for which a certification, license or other form of qualification is required, please provide documentation with your statement of qualifications.

2.8. Unit Prices, Solicitation Quantities and Tax-Exempt Status

A. The Unit Prices for each of the Solicitation items include its pro rata share of overhead so that the sum of the products obtained by multiplying the quantity shown for each item by the unit price represents the total Bid. Special attention is called to this section because in the event it is necessary to revise the quantities, increase or decrease thereof may be made without limit and adjustment and compensation shall be made on the basis of the Unit Prices for such items.

B. Unit Prices should not include federal excise or state sales taxes. State Sales Tax is exempt under

Connecticut General State Statute Sec. 12-412. The City is also exempt from transportation taxes when goods are consigned to the City. Tax Exemption certificates will be furnished by the Supervisory

Auditor - Accounts Payable upon satisfactory proof of delivery to the City.

C. It is understood an agreed that the Unit Prices shall control the Contract award.

D. The quantities noted in this Solicitation are approximate (estimated only for use in comparing Bids); and that the sums obtained by multiplying the Unit Prices by the estimated quantities, and also the Total of these sums, are inserted for the purpose of checking this Solicitation and for the convenience of the

Respondent. The Unit Prices paid are for the actual ordered quantities only.

E. Shipments should be consigned to the City in care of the Contractor.

F. Unbalanced high or low Bid Unit Prices will be reviewed and may be grounds for rejection.

G. Pricing and Supply of Good and Services submitted by vendor as a result of this solicitation must be maintain for at least twelve (12) months from the date of bid submission, unless an increase in length is noted in the specification section of this solicitation.

2.9. Local Preference Ordinance

A. For this section, "City Based Business" shall mean a business with a principal place of business located within the City of New Haven. A "City Based Business” shall maintain such status throughout the term of any Contract with the City. Failure to maintain such status shall be grounds for the City to terminate said Contract.

B. To be considered a City Based Business you must submit satisfactory proof to the Purchasing Agent of your current City of New Haven address. Some examples of proof include are, but not limited to:

1. Proof of payment of City of New Haven Real Estate tax bill(s)

2. A current, long term lease in the City of New Haven

3. Proof of payment of City of New Haven personal Property tax bill(s)

C. The Local Preference ordinance can be found in Section 2-483 of the City of New Haven’s Code. Please review for further details.

2.10. Equal Employment Opportunity

A. A pre-award conference concerning equal employment opportunity compliance by the Awardee will be scheduled the week prior to the City’s authorizing the award. The contractor will receive forms and other documentation that must be completed and returned to the City prior to the date of the pre-award conference. The Contractor's Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity compliance report will represent the major focus of discussion at the pre-award conference. The contractor is responsible for satisfying the affirmative action/equal opportunity provisions as set forth in or referred to in these Solicitation

Documents.

B. Any proposed subcontract under this Contract must submit a certification regarding Equal Employment

Opportunity, similar to that submitted by the Respondent. Approval of the subcontractor award cannot be given by the owner unless and until the proposed subcontractor has submitted the certification and/or other evidence that it has fully complied with any reporting requirements to which it is or was subject.

C. Although the Respondent is not required to attach such certification by proposed subcontractors to its

Response, the Respondent is herein advised of this requirement so that appropriate action can be taken to prevent subsequent delay in subcontract awards.

D. The Equal Employment Opportunity ordinance can be found in Section 12 ½ of the City of New

Haven’s Code. Please review for further details

2.11. Alternate Responses

No alternate responses will be considered unless alternate responses are specifically requested by the City.

2.12. Pricing Sheet

A. Please provide your pricing matrix via Response Submittals. The City of New Haven must be readily able to discern your pricing Qualifications at a quick glance.

B. A brand name, model number or other designation that identifies the product of a manufacturer may be indicated. Other brands will be considered, provided they meet the quality standards of the brands listed within. Product literature, i.e. (M.S.D.S.) must accompany any substituted product with your submission.

2.13. Solicitation Process and Submission

2.13.1. Solicitation Process

A. Early Submittal of Digital Responses - Responses received prior to the advertised hour of closing are kept sealed on the City's e-Procurement Portal.

B. Solicitation Closing - At the time fixed for the submission deadline of responses, the City will open the

Digital Response received by the submission deadline utilizing the City's e-Procurement Portal. Pricing information will be available publicly and can be accessed at:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/newhavenct/projects/149606 in the "Results" tab. Respondents and other interested parties can visit the City's e-Procurement Portal for the list of respondents and their respective pricing information. To receive notifications regarding the pricing results, interested parties must click on "Follow" on the Public Solicitation Portal.

C. Late Submittals – with the advent of complete digital bidding, no submission will be accepted after the closing date and time.

D. Withdrawal of Responses - Responses may be withdrawn by you prior to the submission deadline of responses by you retracting your digital response submission.

E. Response Rejections - The City reserves the right to reject any and all responses which do not meet the requirements. Some reasons for rejection include, but are not limited to: altered or qualified contractual terms, non-conforming Response, incomplete or erroneous paperwork, and/or not habitually performing with the Respondent's own forces.

F. Solicitation Rejection Notification - Should the City reject a response for any reason, the Submitter shall be notified. In case of such rejection, the City will return the Bid Bonds to the Respondent(s). No other part of a Respondent's Submission will be returned.

2.13.2. Solicitation Submission

A. Electronic/digital Submissions - Follow instruction on the portal for bid submission – all required forms are indicated as such.

B. Each solicitation response must be submitted in the prescribed format. All blank spaces must be filled in as noted. Responses must give the prices in numerical figures. No changes shall be made to the City’s documents for any reason.

C. The Respondent shall sign their Response in the blank space provided for this purpose. If the solicitation response is made by a partnership or corporation, the name and address of the partnership or corporation shall be indicated and the Response Submission must be acknowledged by a corporate officer as applicable. Any partner of corporate stockholder owning 25% or more of the business shall also be disclosed.

D. The City may consider any Submission not prepared and submitted in accordance with the provisions hereof, and may, at its option, waive any informalities.

E. No Respondent may withdraw a submission within one hundred twenty (120) days after the actual date of the opening thereof.

2.14. Solicitation Protest

A. Any Solicitation protest must be submitted in writing. Respondents may file a written protest of the

Solicitation results with the City's Purchasing Agent, within 48 hours of the posting of the Solicitation results on the City Website.

B. A protest must be submitted via email, purchasing@newhavenct.gov, or Fax, 203-946-8206.

C. The City will acknowledge receipt of written protest. If the Purchasing Agent or representative has not acknowledged receipt of the protest by the close of business on the following day, please contact the

Bureau of Purchases at 203-946-8201 or by Fax at 203-946-8206.

2.15. Award of Contract

A. No contract shall be awarded to any contractor, if the entity, or any owner, officer or director thereof is delinquent in any tax or other financial obligation to the city, including, without limitation, a current or ongoing contract dispute concerning performance under an agreement with the municipal government if, in the opinion of the Corporation Counsel, the current or ongoing contract dispute is related to the requirements of the solicitation.The fact that any other entity of which the owner or principal of any contractor is an officer or director is delinquent in the payment of any tax or other financial obligation to the city, shall be a negative factor in the selection or award of such contractor until such obligation is settled.

B. The City will endeavor to award a contract for this Solicitation within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the date of the Solicitation opening. All Respondents acknowledge their Response submittal will be valid for the duration of the one hundred and twenty (120) days timeframe.

C. The City reserves the right to separately Solicitation or secure pricing from additional contractors that may relate to the goods and/or services in the instant Solicitation, whether or not such goods and/or services are additional to the quantities stated in the instant Solicitation.

D. The City of New Haven reserves the right to award one or more contracts as a result of this solicitation.

E. The City will not award to any contractor who is ineligible under any of applicable regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor and United States Department of Labor.

mailto:purchasing@newhavenct.gov

F. The City will not award to any contractor who is not qualified under applicable State and local laws and regulations.

G. Without limiting the generalities of the foregoing, a contractor will be deemed ineligible if they are not current with any taxes or other outstanding obligations to the City of New Haven.

H. Should a Contract be awarded, it will be awarded by the City to the lowest responsible qualified

Respondent based on the lowest Base Bid.

I. Availability of funds – The awarding of all contracts is contingent upon the availability of appropriate funds. If funding is not available at the time of award and/or execution of the contract the City reserves the right to cancel the Solicitation.

J. All Bid Bonds will be returned to all Respondents upon the execution of the contract documents to the awarded Respondent.

K. Certificate of Insurance must be email to project manager (see award notice) and to

NHpurchasingCOI@newhavenct.gov

2.16. Execution of Contract

A. In executing the Agreement, the Awardee will be required to reaffirm and restate all representations made in its Response Submission.

B. After the notice of award and within ten (10) days after the prescribed forms are presented for signature, the Awardee shall execute and deliver to the City the Agreement in the form included in the Contract

Documents, in such number of copies as the City shall require.

C. The failure of the Awardee to execute such Agreement, pay any taxes due, to supply the required bonds or submit the Certificate of Insurance, all within ten (10) days after the prescribed forms are presented for signature, or within such extended period as the City grants based upon reasons determined sufficient by the City, shall constitute a default and the City reserves the right to any remedies available at law or in equity including pursuit of Bid Bond. The City may either award the Contract to the next lowest responsible Respondent or re-advertise the Solicitation.

D. Performance Labor and Material Bonds - (see Project Summary for applicability)Having satisfied all conditions of award as set forth elsewhere in these documents, the successful Respondent shall, within the period specified in paragraph "A" above, furnish a bond in a penal sum not less than the amount of the Contract as awarded, as security for the faithful performance of the Contract, and a labor and material bond for payment of all persons, firms or corporations to whom the Contractor may become legally indebted for labor, materials, tools, equipment, or services of any nature including utility and transportation services, employed or used by him in performing the work. Such bonds shall be in the same form as those included in the Solicitation Documents and shall bear the same date, or a date after that of the Agreement. These bonds shall be signed and issued by a guaranty or surety company satisfactory to the City, authorized and qualified to do business in the State of Connecticut, and listed in mailto:NHpurchasingCOI@newhavenct.gov the latest issue of the U.S. Treasury Circular 570, and the penal sum of any such bond shall be within the maximum specified for such company in said Circular 570. The current power of attorney for the person who signs for any surety company shall be attached to such bonds.

E. Commencement of Work – The City will not be responsible for payment of any work performed or materials supplied by the successful respondent before the Contractor receives a fully executed agreement unless an emergency situation has been declared by a City employee duly empowered to do so, and the vendor receives written authorization from this individual to proceed. Note: Responsibility for payment shall be limited to only that work deemed necessary by the City to alleviate the immediate emergency

2.17. Notice to Proceed

Once a contract is executed the City department responsible for requesting the work will issue a Notice to

Proceed.

2.18. No Purchase Order – No Payment Policy

https://www.newhavenct.gov/government/departments-divisions/purchasing-division/no-po-no-pay-policy

The City of New Haven has implemented a 'No Purchase Order, No Payment Policy’ effective July 1, 2019 to reduce cost overruns, unauthorized work, while automating the steps for payment of invoices. This means that without an official Purchase Order number and/or enough unencumbered funds available, payment of supplier invoices will be rejected or significantly delayed until the change order or adjustments can be processed and approved.

This policy aims to ensure that:

A. All spend shall be supported by an authorized PO prior to requesting the provision of goods/services.

B. Efficient processes are implemented so that goods are delivered when required.

C. The recipient of the goods shall receipt in Munis as soon as the goods are delivered/services performed

(i.e. not upon receipt of the invoice);

D. Cost control is effective and therefore:

E. all expenditure incurred by the City of New Haven is valid and appropriately authorized; and

F. minimizing transactional costs associated with payment for goods and services.

2.19. Electronic Invoice Policy

https://www.newhavenct.gov/government/departments-divisions/purchasing-division/e-invoicing-policy

2.20. Payment Policy

https://www.newhavenct.gov/government/departments-divisions/purchasing-division/payment-policy https://www.newhavenct.gov/government/departments-divisions/purchasing-division/no-po-no-pay-policy https://www.newhavenct.gov/government/departments-divisions/purchasing-division/e-invoicing-policy https://www.newhavenct.gov/government/departments-divisions/purchasing-division/payment-policy

3. Project Details

3.1. Proposal Specifications

3.1.1. Produce RFP 2025-2026

General Overview

The City of New Haven, Board of Education, Food and Nutrition Department (referred hereon in as “Food

Service”) is soliciting a Request for Proposals from qualified respondent(s) to provide Fresh Fruit and Produce for the Food Service program during fiscal year 2025-2026.This solicitation includes summer programs, the

USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and Food Service school year 2025-2026 produce needs. There are approximately 224 service days, with 21,000 meals per day for the summer and school year programs.

This Request for Proposal (RFP) shall not obligate the New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) to purchase or contract for any goods specified herein. Furthermore, the NHPS reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received, to negotiate with any qualified source, or to make multiple awards or to cancel in part or in its entirety this RFP if it is determined by the NHPS to be in its best interest.

The selected respondent(s) must have the ability to service the school district according to the terms and conditions as set forth. The contract will be awarded to the respondent(s) whose offer is judged to be most advantageous to New Haven Public Schools Food Service in the areas of price, frequency of delivery, local purchasing, service capabilities and any other factors specific to the commodity. Price alone will not be the determining factor in this RFP. Priority will be given to category pricing and not line item.

Buy American Provision

The Buy American provision (7 CFR Part 210.21(d)) is one of the procurement standards SFAs must comply with when purchasing commercial food products served in the school meals programs.

For unprocessed foods, the agricultural commodities must be domestic, and for processed foods they must be processed domestically using domestic agricultural food components that are comprised of over 51% domestically grown items, by weight or volume. The following are two limited exceptions when nondomestic foods may be purchased:

• The food or food product is not produced or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities of a satisfactory quality; or

• Competitive bids reveal the cost of a United States food or food product is significantly higher than the non-domestic product.

If the above exceptions apply to a food product on contractor's proposal, fill out the Exception Documentation

Worksheet to be submitted with contractor's proposal. Fill out one form for each food item requiring an exception to the Buy American Provision

Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (DOD Fresh)

The USDA Department of Defense (DOD) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (USDA DOD Fresh) allows schools to use USDA Foods entitlement dollars to buy fresh produce. USDA DoD Fresh operates through a partnership between the USDA and the DOD Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), as well as the state distributing agencies in each participating state.

Schools in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam participate in USDA

DoD Fresh. USDA does not impose a cap on the amount of USDA Foods entitlement used through this program and allocations may be changed on several dates throughout the year.

Food Service utilizes the Department of Defense (DOD) program for elementary and middle schools as part of their entitlement.

Please visit the below website for more information on the program https://www.fns.usda.gov/usda-foods/usda-dod-fresh-fruit-and-vegetable-program

Food Service Pilot Project for the Purchase of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables

Section 4202 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (PL 113-79), otherwise known as the Farm Bill, amended Section

6 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 USC 1755(f)) to provide for a pilot project for the procurement of unprocessed fruits and vegetables in not more than eight states receiving funds under Section 6.

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) works closely with USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to implement this pilot project.

The pilot project provides state distributing agencies (SDAs) in selected states additional flexibility in the procurement of unprocessed fruits and vegetables. School food authorities (SFAs) in selected states, or SDAs acting on behalf of participating SFAs, are permitted to competitively solicit a USDA-approved respondent using USDA Foods National School Lunch Program entitlement funds. SDAs or SFAs can also use pre-existing commercial distribution channels and relationships with growers, produce wholesalers, and distributors. Use of geographic preference, as allowed by FNS regulation, is permitted in the procurement of these products.

Please visit the below website for additional information https://www.fns.usda.gov/usda-fis/pilot-project-procurement-unprocessed-fruits-and-vegetables https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food/pilot-project

Buy Local Pricing Provision:

• When CT Grown products are purchased, the names of the farms must be clearly identified on each case.

• We require the bidder to provide tracking of these local purchases to report how many pounds and dollars have been purchased by NHPS from each of the above-mentioned categories at any given time.

• Bidders’ must provide NHPS with the names of the farms providing the product in the first three categories above (Connecticut, States adjacent to CT & PA and Northeast US) when product is provided by these criteria.

• Bidders must have the capability to show on the package label, that all produce is a product of the

United States and is traceable back to the farm.

https://www.fns.usda.gov/usda-foods/usda-dod-fresh-fruit-and-vegetable-program https://www.fns.usda.gov/usda-fis/pilot-project-procurement-unprocessed-fruits-and-vegetables https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food/pilot-project

Procurement Code of conducts

Respondents responding to this solicitation must abide by the USDA Procurement Code of conduct. Please see the attached NHPS policy

Contract Period

This is a one-year contract. The contract will begin July 1, 2025 and will continue through June 30, 2026. At the sole discretion of the New Haven Public Schools, Food and Nutrition Department, any award under this request for proposal can renewed for two (2) additional one-year periods.

• 1st Option to renew period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027

• 2ND Option to renew period July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028

Unit Pricing

All pricing for items shall be firm fixed price for the duration of the contract unless there is a materially dramatic and reasonable unanticipated change in the market.

Such request for proposal shall contain costs for each product contained in document specifications and a maximum percentage markup to cover freight of products and include a fee that covers their warehousing, financing, delivery, sales costs, fuel, and any charges for NHPS

The New Haven Board of Education, Food and Nutrition Department may entertain a request for a price change

(increase or decrease) upon a written request submitted together with details of reasoning and accompanied by supporting documentation to substantiate the request. If the New Haven Board of Education, Food and Nutrition

Department agrees to a price change.

If the parties cannot agree on the amount of the change that is in dispute, the price may then be negotiated with the New Haven Board of Education, Food and Nutrition Department with input from the Purchasing Agent.

Respondents will be monitored and evaluated to the level of satisfaction during their performance and quality.

Quantities:

All quantities are estimated and the BOE reserves the right to award separate items to different respondents.

Total quantities and cases per delivery are estimated amounts only. The District reserves the right to increase or decrease quantities as need dictates.

Minimum Ordering

There will be no minimum orders required. The selected respondent(s) shall have products available. The ordering schedule shall be mutually agreed by the respondent(s) and Food Service Executive Director. Order will be online, phoned, faxed, or emailed in on a weekly basis or any other mutually agreed upon time frame.

Product Availability

Proposer must agree that there will be no cancellation of products to be delivered without an equal and acceptable replacement of product(s). Should a manufacturer or processor discontinue a product that is regularly ordered by a City/BOE, such notification must be communicated, in writing, to the City/BOE in advance of such discontinuation. During the notice period, the Contractor agrees to work with the City/BOE to identify and implement alternative options that maintain and or reduce costs associated with any replacement product. In addition, samples for testing any suggested alternative may be required by the City/BOE to ascertain suggested alternative product quality and acceptability before final approval for use.

Product Requirements:

Exhibit A, Calculation Sheet contains a listing of NHPS required produce. Please provide a detailed list of each item that you bid on complete with Producer’s name, item number and description of the item. Styrofoam items are prohibited in New Haven. Please fill out in detail all columns highlighted in Blue.

Substitutions

During the term of the contract, the proposer shall not make any substitutions, unless the proposer has successfully contacted the Executive Director of Food Service and has received approval for substituting the contract product for another product. If a substitution is to be made due to the contractor or manufacturer(s) error or shortage, the City/BOE shall not have to pay an increase or any adverse delivery charge(s) for the substitution.

Additional Catalog Offerings (Supplemental Submission Sheet)

The New Haven Board of Education Food and Nutrition Department is also encouraging respondents to offer products that are within the USDA guidelines for Food and Nutrition programs. A separate excel sheet has been provided to accommodate respondents in offering items that may of be interest to The New Haven Board of

Education Food and Nutrition Department. Respondents should fill out all aspects of the excel sheet. The New

Haven Board of Education Food and Nutrition Department is under no obligation to order any of the additional items listed The Responder shall submit a child nutrition label product specification sheet, Product

Formulations Statement, Nutrition Facts, ingredient lists, sample, and/or other pertinent product information as deemed by the Nutrition Services for approval prior to further shipment at the request of the Executive Director or designee.

Product Substitution/Manufacturer’s Brand Change/Product Reformulation:

The Responder(s) shall state the brand name and product number on the RFP. The successful Responder may not make substitutions, brand changes, or reformulations of products without the written authorization by the

Food Service Department. If during the contract there is a manufacturer’s brand change or reformulation of the product, the Responder shall not automatically substitute the product. The Responder shall submit a child nutrition label product specification sheet, Product Formulations Statement, Nutrition Facts, ingredient lists, sample, and/or other pertinent product information as deemed by the Nutrition Services for approval prior to further shipment.

Quality Guide:

The successful responder must ensure that the condition, quality, and quantity of products sold to the BOE complies with the product specification.

Order Guide /Pricing Sheets

Respondents need to provide to us an order guide/pricing sheet of all products awarded.

Delivery:

Time and manner of delivery are essential factors in proper performance under the contract Delivery will be directly to Schools and Central Kitchen. The delivery day and time shall be established by mutual agreement between the provider service respondent and the executive director or designee.

Deliveries must be made inside the facility at the mutually agreed area. Delivery should be made inside the building through the loading docks – the actual final placement will be left to both parties mutually agreed upon. Delivery day and times (drop off times- Between 7:00am and 1:00pm). Certain items may require daily delivery.

If the material is not received within the time specified for delivery, it will be received at the discretion of the

District. Should it be necessary to refuse delivery of any material contained in the RFP/Bid document, the

Respondent shall be responsible for all associated costs.

As the actual final placement will be left to both parties to mutually be agreed upon, each delivery ticket must be signed by a City/BOE food service employee to ensure delivery was received.

Delivery and Receiving

Once delivered to NHPS, the expectation is that the produce will have a minimum shelf life of five days, except for precut and individually packaged product for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which will have an expected minimum shelf life of two days from the date of delivery.

Upon receipt, fresh fruit and vegetables shall be:

• Cool to the touch.

• Of reasonably uniform color.

• Free from foreign flavor and odor:

• Normally developed.

• Free from objectionable matter.

• Clean and free from foreign material.

Upon receipt, fresh fruit and vegetables shall be reasonably free from:

• Extraneous vegetable material

• Stem ends

• Rot

• Damage by insects or disease

• Excessive smaller than specified or larger then specified pieces

• Insect infestation

• Mechanically damaged units

• Moderate amounts of bruising

• Fibrous units and stems

Sufficient time must be allowed at the time of delivery for adequate inspection of product, not only for quantity, but also for quality of product for monitoring as part of contract administration/performance to ensure compliance with contract specifications and all contract terms and conditions.

Cafeteria Managers will make a maximum effort and take appropriate action to ensure that a quality product is received at the time of delivery. If inspection cannot be reasonably conducted upon delivery, NHPS will provide within 24 hours a notice to the respondent of defective product and quantities. Produce will be inspected by NHPS Food and Nutrition Services School Cafeteria Managers upon delivery and will be refused if not of acceptable quality or if minimum specifications are not met. The NHPS reserves the right to make further inspections of the product after delivery and have product that does not meet specifications picked up and replaced or credited. Delivery of any replacement products will be the responsibility of the respondent.

The awarded respondent or respondents must correct delivery errors by the next school day, at no cost to the district.

Issues of noncompliance will result in contact by NHPS to the respondent via telephone and/or in writing, thus giving the respondent the opportunity to correct all deficiencies.

All deliveries should be accompanied by a computerized delivery receipt in duplicate. At a minimum, the delivery receipt or invoice will include name of firm, date of delivery, units delivered, item identification, grade, and state of origin, unit price, price extension and total price of delivery. A signed invoice will be left with each cafeteria manager. This document will be used to match the statement the respondent is required to submit to the Food and Nutrition Services Department's Central Office within 5 business days after a month ends.

Personnel that do not work for the Food and Nutrition Services Department cannot accept and/or sign for product. Should this occur, payment to the respondent may be withheld.

If Food and Nutrition Services Department personnel are required to work past their shift to wait for delivery, the awarded respondent will be back charged for these costs.

Payments and Invoicing

Net terms

Net terms for invoice payment are normally between 45-60 day depending on the payment schedule for the

City/BOE.

Invoice Submissions

Invoices shall be submitted, as provided for herein, with the Contract Number, Work Order Number and location(s) of the school(s) where work was performed clearly identified. Should an invoice not contain the required information as described below, it will be returned unpaid to the Contractor.

Minimum invoice information includes:

1. Complete description of the work performed.

2. Clear summary of labor hours and costs, with extensions.

3. Clear summary of materials used, and costs, with extensions

4. Grand total.

5. In addition, the following must be attached to the invoice if applicable:

• Service Ticket signed on-site by NHBOE representative displaying hours on site (arrival and departure times).

• All material delivery receipts.

• Completed Work Order.

A monthly statement of New Haven Public Schools – Food Service should also be emailed to the Director of

Food service, the Bureau Supervisor and Account Clerk.

Inspection and Audit:

In addition to, NHPS has the right to inspect Provider’s facility, and inspect safety reports and inventory practices. The City reserves the right to visit the respondent to audit the awarded respondent’s books with a reasonable notice. Respondent must respond to the audit request within requested deadline.

Inventory Reconciliation

Please include in your proposal your current system to reconcile inventory at predetermined intervals. (physical and/or book inventory)

Plan Documents

Required Submittals: The following must be provided with your proposal:

• Your company’s recall program

• HAACP Program

• Lobbying Certification-copy

• Certification of Adherence to Clean Water/Clean Air Act. -copy

Nutritional Analysis and Requirements:

Documentation of Nutrition Program Requirements: NHPS requests that ingredient statements, nutritional analysis, summary product data schedules and other information of all products be provided. The information must include at a minimum: number of grams of protein, carbohydrates, and fat (including saturated fat), iron, vitamin, Calcium, sodium, calories ETC. Additionally, ingredient statements, nutritional analysis and product schedules are required for each item listed in the solicitation.

Nutritional analysis: Nutritional analysis must be signed and dated by the manufacturer’s/processor’s representative, signifying the information provided is current and accurate and must include the following information:

• Product label listing ingredients

• Grams of fat, carbohydrate and protein per serving or unit of product

• Grams of saturated fat per serving or unit of product

• Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A & C content per serving or unit of product

• Calories per portion or unit of product

• Sodium in grams/mg

• Statement to verify enrichment when applicable

• Statement to verify absence of trans-fats when applicable, all food products and ingredients must contain zero grams of added trans-fats per serving (less than 0.5 grams per serving as identified by the FDA) according to the nutritional labeling or manufacturer’s specifications

• Additional information to verify product meets specifications when applicable

• Product analysis must also accompany nutritional analysis

• CN label or CN statement for protein & grains must be received for each product

SPECIFICATION FOR BREAD PRODUCTS:

• All Bread Products must meet the following standards:

o Must be a minimum of fifty-one (51) percent whole grain o Must meet the USDA National School Lunch and Breakfast Standards o Must meet the Connecticut Healthy Standards

SAMPLES

Samples: Samples are only required at the discretion of the Executive Director of Food Services and supplied at no cost to the district.

REPORTING:

The Good Food Purchasing Program representative will collect specific data to analyze and assess compliance with and successes in meeting its purchasing goals. To prove responsiveness to this solicitation, Respondents must show that they have the ability and willingness to provide reports annually, at minimum, on all products purchased under any contract or agreement that results from this solicitation. Velocity reports must include the following information for each product delivered to the City by the awarded Respondent:

• Time period of purchase (such as month and year, or range of months)

• Farmer AND/OR Processor/Shipper/Manufacturer/Broker/Wholesaler (whichever is applicable)

• Brand (if applicable)

• Farm location AND/OR processing or manufacturing location at the city level (whichever is applicable)

• Vendor item number

• Manufacturer product code (if applicable)

• UPC code (if applicable)

• Product description

• Known certifications (if applicable)

• Pack size

• Quantity purchased and UOM

• Net weight per quantity (in lbs)

• Total weight (in lbs)

• Cost per unit

• Total cost per quantity purchased

• Total dollar value spent for all food items purchased as part of this contract

Respondents must submit a sample velocity report containing this information as a required document in this

Request for Proposal.

The awarded Respondent(s) shall provide requested reports promptly.

Sample Velocity Report*

Please upload a sample velocity report in Microsoft Excel format that demonstrates how the Respondent will report the information requested in the Reporting section of this solicitation. The complete dataset example spreadsheet linked/included in this solicitation can be used to develop a velocity report if the Respondent’s systems do not currently provide all required information.

Complete dataset example.xlsx Attachments

For more information, see the Connecticut State Department of Education’s (CSDE) Crediting Foods Web page

Award Criteria:

Proposals that are submitted on-time and are not subject to disqualification will be reviewed in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth below in this solicitation. In addition, the city may conduct a pre-award audit.

The district intends to award to the responsible Respondent whose proposal is most advantageous to the district’s program(s) with price and other factors…