RFP_026-41_Cost_Proposal_Workbook_Index_(Excel).xlsx

This is a cost proposal workbook index for RFP 026-41, issued by the City of Meriden Purchasing Department on behalf of Meriden Public Schools in Connecticut, for the supply and distribution of commercial groceries, beverages, produce, and further processed USDA Foods to serve 8,200 students across 13 school sites. The RFP encompasses a comprehensive range of food products organized into multiple categories including beef, poultry, cheese, eggs, fresh produce, deli items, grains, frozen bakery goods, dairy, vegetables, snacks, beverages, condiments, and miscellaneous items. Deliveries are scheduled to 14 locations primarily on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 6:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., with twice-weekly deliveries for seasonal programs at select sites. The RFP was released January 28, 2026, with questions due by February 6, 2026, responses provided by February 10, 2026, and proposals due February 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. EST via the City eProcurement Portal. The anticipated contract award date is April 24, 2026, with contract commencement on July 1, 2026, and conclusion on June 30, 2027, with an option for mutual renewal for up to five years total, not to exceed one year per renewal period.

Pricing is structured in three groups with differentiated pricing models: Group A utilizes fixed unit pricing for commercial groceries and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program snack packs; Group B employs value pass-through pricing for further processed USDA Foods; and Group C applies cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing for seasonal products subject to market fluctuations. The anticipated contract value for the 2026-2027 school year is approximately $3,100,000, with all prices including complete inside delivery costs and excluding federal, state, and local excise taxes. The RFP is open to all qualified vendors with no explicit set-aside designations or organizational type restrictions. Vendors must demonstrate qualifications including years in business, experience in the K-12 segment, relevant staffing certifications, and provide at least three school district references from similar work completed within the past five years. Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: qualifications and experience (15%), service delivery approach (25%), cost proposal (45%), and responsive and responsible bidder status (15%). The district reserves the right to award to a single prime vendor or make multiple awards based on delivery capability, volume requirements, and service quality, with invoices paid within 30 days.