MIDDLETOWN BOARD OF EDUCATION

311 HUNTING HILL AVE.

MIDDLETOWN, CT 06457

(860) 638-1426

OFFICE OF THE PURCHASING AGENT

MIDDLETOWN BOARD OF EDUCATION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFPCAFE# 2026-01

GROCERIES

Proposals due: APRIL 17, 2026 by 11:00 AM

QUESTIONS: CONTACT THE PURCHASING AGENT VIA EMAIL AT PUORROC@MPSCT.ORG

Christopher Puorro Purchasing Agent

Alan Addley Interim Superintendent

Middletown Public Schools

Christopher Puorro Purchasing Agent

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

MIDDLETOWN BOARD OF EDUCATION

Proposals shall be submitted Online on the Middletown Board of Education's e-Procurement Portal, which is currently found at https://mpsct.bonfirehub.com

The proposals will be received until 11:00 AM EST on April 17, 2026 for the following:

RFPCAFE 2026-01

GROCERIES

FOR MIDDLETOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Middletown Public Schools (MPS) is seeking to contract for Groceries for the School Meal Programs throughout the district. This Request for Proposals (RFP) covers the requirements of the Middletown Public Schools listed in the specifications for a period of two years from July 01, 2026 to June 30, 2028.

Proposal Documents may be downloaded directly from https://mpsct.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/218273

All questions concerning this proposal shall be submitted in writing via email to Christopher Puorro, Purchasing Agent, at puorroc@mpsct.org or through the Opportunity Q&A at https://mpsct.bonfirehub.com by Wednesday, April 08, 2026 by 12:00 PM est. to be considered.

The Middletown Board of Education reserves the right to waive any defect in any proposal and reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or any part thereof. Proposals, amendments to or withdrawals of proposals received after the time set for the receipt of proposals will not be considered.

All proposals are subject to and must comply with the equal opportunity and non-discriminatory provisions set forth in the Affirmative Action Plan of the Middletown Board of Education.

Date: 03/27/2026 Middletown, Connecticut

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pages

3-7

8-20

21-22

26-27

28-31

Instructions and Conditions of RFP

USDA Clauses and Forms

General Terms and Conditions of MPS

Non-Collusive Statement

Affirmative Action

Equal Employment Opportunity

Statement of Qualifications

Proposal Pages

Respondent Checklist

Appendix A: Insurance Requirements

Appendix B: Bond & Surety Info

Certificate of Surety

Performance Bond

Product Specifications Sheets

36-37

38-44

RFPCAFE 2026-01 GROCERIES FOR

MIDDLETOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS AND CONDITIONS

1. PROPOSALS:

Proposals shall be submitted Online on the Middletown Board of Education's e-Procurement Portal, which is currently found at https://mpsct.bonfirehub.com The proposals will be received until 11:00 AM EST on April 17, 2026. Amendments to or withdrawal of proposals received later than the date set for the RFP submission will not be considered.

2. PRICE:

We are requesting prices on all items for the period of July 01, 2026 to June 30, 2028. Price is fixed for one year.

Vendor will have an opportunity to refresh pricing at an approximate time of April 2027. If the the Middletown Board of Education deem the increases to be unreasonably large then the Board reserves the right to go back out to bid for the products/services.

3. TAXES:

The City of Middletown is exempt from the payment of all excise taxes imposed by the Federal Government, and the Sales and Use Tax of the State of Connecticut, such taxes should not be included in the proposal price.

Exemption Certificates will be furnished, upon request, to the successful proposer.

4. AWARD:

The Purchasing Agent reserves the right to make an award on the proposal with the recommendation from the Superintendent of Schools or his designated representative following proposal evaluations, that best meets the specifications and is deemed to be in the best interest of the Middletown Board of Education.

The Middletown Board of Education reserves the right to make an alternate award if the current vendor cannot meet delivery, quantity or quality requirements.

5. DELIVERY LOCATION:

As Per Specifications.

6. GUARANTEE OR OTHER:

Contractor is required to maintain a Certificate of Insurance with types and limits indicated in the Insurance requirements section of this proposal Appendix A.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. This proposal is for July 01, 2026 to June 30, 2028. Ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the resulting agreement, the parties may by mutual agreement, extend them for additional terms.

2. Awards will be based on price (60%), Child Nutrition Regulation Product Compliance (Nutritionals)(20%), and Customer Service/ Recommendations (20%). Awards will also be made based on scoring percentages (as listed above) and aggregated total. Based on the Scoring, the Middletown BOE may request a presentation/interview with some or all of the Vendors who submitted proposals.

3. The Middletown Public Schools reserves the right to make an alternate award if the current vendor cannot meet delivery, quantity or quality requirements.

4. Quantities are estimates only and are based on past usage. No quantities are guaranteed.

5. The Buy American requirement specifies that schools and institutions must purchase domestic commodities or products to the maximum extent practicable. A "domestic commodity or product" is an agricultural commodity that is produced in the United States (U.S.), and a food product that is processed in the U.S. substantially using agricultural commodities that are produced in the U.S. (Substantially) means that over 51 percent of the final processed product consists of agricultural commodities that were grown domestically.

6. Proposers are expected to propose on all items, as well as show their Product Code Number for each item. All requested information will be mandatory on the Bonfire Bid Table.

7. Minimum shipment requirements could affect your ability to be awarded any items.

8. Items you wish to offer as an alternate must be entered into the Bonfire bid table as an additional response.

Instructions are included in the bid table. We do encourage additional product options. All information must be provided including manufacturer/brand, vendor item code, size, units/servings per pack and price per pack. No items will be considered without submission of the Child Nutrition Labels per regulations. These must be submitted with the proposal. Samples of items may be required after proposal analysis. If samples are not received within ten (10) days of the written request, MPS reserves the right to award that item to another proposer.

9. Items may not be substituted at delivery without prior approval from the Food Service Director. Items substituted without prior approval will be returned. This includes not only change in manufacturer but any change in the package size.

10. All Nutrition Fact Labels, CN Labels and PFS Statements must be provided physically and electronically to the director no more than 30 days after the contract has been signed.

11. Fuel surcharges will NOT be allowed.

12. PROPOSAL SURETY: To satisfy the surety requirement for this proposal, the awarded proposer will have to supply a Performance Bond. The amount will depend on the size of award see sections B, C and E of Appendix B for specifics regarding Guarantee by Surety; Performance and Labor and Materials Bond; and Amendments to Bonds.

13. Three (3) references should be provided from schools of similar size.

14. MPS is currently receiving most items on Tuesday. MPS may consider deliveries on Thursday, subject to operational needs and incentives offered.

15. MPS estimates that they will serve about 3,100 lunches, 500 dinners and 1,800 breakfasts daily in the upcoming school year.

MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS FOR RFPCAFE 2026-01 GROCERIES

MIDDLETOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

INTENT: It is the intention of these specifications to cover all labor, material, tools, fuel, equipment and other appliances or services required to complete work herein specified and/or described in the accompanying agenda.

DELIVERIES:

SITES LOCATIONS:

BIELEFIELD SCHOOL 70 Maynard Street One delivery per week

FARM HILL SCHOOL 390 Ridge Road One delivery per week

LAWRENCE SCHOOL 1 Kaplan Drive One delivery per week

MACDONOUGH SCHOOL 99 Spruce Street One delivery per week

VAN BUREN MOODY SCHOOL 300 Country Club Road One delivery per week

WILBERT SNOW SCHOOL 299 Wadsworth Street One delivery per week

SPENCER SCHOOL 207 Westfield Street One delivery per week

WESLEY SCHOOL 10 Wesleyan Hills Road One delivery per week

BEMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL 1 Wilderman's Way One delivery per week

MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL 200 LaRosa Lane One delivery per week

DELIVERIES:

Prices shall include complete cost of inside delivery and all deliveries shall comply in every respect with all applicable laws of the Federal Government and or the State of Connecticut. These items will be used by a municipality and should be free from all local, state and federal excise taxes.

The Contractor shall accept and deliver any emergency order on short notice.

Should any agency in the Middletown School System have a requirement for these food products during the term of the contract, the Contractor shall be required to furnish and deliver grocery products specified herein.

DELIVERY CRITERIA:

Deliveries shall be made and off loaded to the designated receiving area of individual schools (inside) between the hours of 6:30 AM and 2:00 PM as negotiated with the Food Service Director of Middletown Public Schools.

All deliveries must be off-loaded by 2:30 pm. Only Food Services or Facilities Personnel may accept and sign for product. Other personnel are not permitted to sign for product and payment for product may not be made should this occur or an unsigned invoice is received. Vendor shall provide an estimated time of delivery on the day of delivery or the evening before the delivery is made.

Any product delivered in an UNACCEPTABLE condition (dented can or box, ripped or open container, etc.)

MUST be picked up when the next delivery is made to that school district, since items received in this condition could result in contaminated food.

Middletown Public Schools can accept deliveries on snow days with proper discussion and planning.

QUALITY: The Buy American requirement specifies that schools and institutions must purchase domestic commodities or products to the maximum extent practicable. A "domestic commodity or product" is an agricultural commodity that is produced in the united states (U.S.), and a food product that is processed in the U.S. substantially using agricultural commodities that are produced in the U.S. (Substantially) means that over 51 percent of the final processed product consists of agricultural commodities that were grown domestically.

All items are intended for use within the Child Nutrition Programs of MPS, therefore all bid items should meet or exceed the Connecticut Nutrition Standards for Child Nutrition Programs including,,but not limited to sodium limits, sugar limits, Whole Grain Rich Criteria and Saturated Fats. Additionally, MPS shall grant additional points for bid items that are considered "clean label", meaning products without the use of artificial chemicals, flavors, preservatives or dyes.

ORDERS:

All orders will be placed directly with awardees by telephone, FAX, computer devices or sales appointments at locations, by the Food Service Director. Emergency deliveries will be delivered within a reasonable period of time.

INVOICES AND STATEMENTS:

Invoices for the purchases of food items made by schools are paid for by the Food Service Department of the

Middletown Public Schools. In order to facilitate the handling of these invoices, all vendors must adhere to the following instructions:

a. Name of school must be listed on each invoice.

b. All items on delivery tickets must be billed according to proposal/quote.

c. All vendors must issue delivery tickets and credit memos in duplicate and both copies must be signed by the individual school cafeteria manager/staff.

d. All vendors shall forward monthly statements for each school directly to Middletown Public School by the fifth working day of the month following purchase.

e. All delivery tickets supporting monthly statements must be exact in agreement with the copy of delivery tickets left with manager. If, for any reason, it is necessary to make a change on the delivery ticket (an additional charge or credit), a credit or debit memo shall be issued.

f. All cancellations or merchandise returns must be recorded by the driver on both copies of delivery tickets or pick-up tickets. Credit slips must be sent with invoices when products are being picked up.

g. All bills will be paid within thirty (30) days of date of invoice.

COMPLAINTS/DISPUTES:

The Contractor shall be required to have representatives available at reasonable times to investigate

Middletown Public Schools complaints and advise on use of Contractor’s items. The name, address, and phone number of such representative shall be listed on the proposals. In the event of any dispute concerning the products, the Superintendent of Schools, or his designated representative’s judgment shall be final.

CLEANLINESS:

The grocery products of the Contractor shall be subject to inspection at all times, and if production, storage or transportation methods and/or sanitary conditions are found to be unsatisfactory and/or products failing in requirements in the opinion of the Food Service Director, the contract will be subject to cancellation.

The MPS retains the right to immediately obtain any item from another Contractor if deliveries are deemed unsanitary, delivered late on a consistent basis or the product(s) do not meet specifications.

COMMODITIES::

Middletown Public Schools does not process commodities using USDA Entitlement Dollars. Middletown is requesting commercial pricing on all items based on bid usage. Middletown is willing to commit to our projected bid usage pending agreed upon pricing.

USDA Clauses for Non-Profit School Lunch Programs

8.1 Civil Rights

A. The Awarded Vendor shall comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the implementing regulations of the USDA issued there under and any additions or amendments thereto. The AWARDED VENDOR shall assure the SFA that it is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by state and federal anti-discrimination statutes. The AWARDED VENDOR shall provide personnel for its obligations under the Contract who have the necessary qualifications.

"The program applicant hereby agrees that it will comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. § 6101 et seq.); all provisions required by the implementing regulations of the Department of Agriculture; Department of Justice Enforcement Guidelines, 28 CFR §§ SO.3 and 42;

and FNS directives and guidelines, to the effect that, no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or otherwise be subject to discrimination under any program or activity for which the program applicant receives federal financial assistance from FNS; and hereby gives assurance that it will immediately take measures necessary to effectuate this agreement.”

“By accepting this assurance, the program applicant agrees to compile data, maintain records, and submit reports as required, to permit effective enforcement of nondiscrimination laws and permit authorized USDA personnel during hours of program operation to review such records, books, and accounts as needed to ascertain compliance with the nondiscrimination laws. If there are any violations of this assurance, the Department of Agriculture, FNS, shall have the right to seek judicial enforcement of this assurance. This assurance is binding on the Program applicant, its successors, transferees, and assignees as long as it receives assistance or retains possession of any assistance from USDA. The person or persons whose signatures appear below are authorized to sign this assurance on the behalf of the Program applicant.”

B. The SFA and the Awarded Vendor shall comply with Executive Order 11246, entitled “Equal Employment Opportunity” as amended by Executive Order 11375, and as supplemented in Department of Labor regulations (41 CFR § 60). [Appendix II to § 200 (C)]

C. The Awarded Vendor and the SFA shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-

300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

8.2 Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act: The Awarded Vendor and its employees shall comply with all wage and hours of employment requirements of federal and state laws and regulations, including the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, Appendix II to § 200 (E). All employees of the Awarded Vendor shall be paid in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended and any other applicable statutes. In addition, the Awarded Vendor will comply with all applicable federal and state employment statutes, including those statutes pertaining to labor relations.

3.1 Davis-Bacon Act. In performance of this contract, the Awarded Vendor shall be in compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144 and 3146-3148) and Copland “Anti-Kickback” Act (40 U.S.C. 3145)

3.2 Debarment and Suspension. The Awarded Vendor shall complete and submit to the SFA the Certification Regarding Debarment. The certification must accompany any additional one-year renewals. Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion, 2 CFR § 180 as adopted and modified by USDA regulations at 2 CFR § 417 – The SFA must check the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS), collect a certification, or include a clause in the contract. [Appendix II to CFR § 200 (H)]

3.3 Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment. Pursuant to section 1352, Title 31, US Code, the AWARDED VENDOR shall complete and submit a Certificate Regarding Lobbying and a Disclosure of Lobbying Activities to the SFA. These certifications must accompany any additional one-year renewals. [Appendix II to CFR § 200 (I)]

3.4 Rights to Inventions Made Under a Contract or Agreement. In performance of this contract, the Awarded Vendor shall comply with the requirements of 37 CFR Part 401.

Connecticut State Department of Education • Revised December 2025 • Page 1 of 4

Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion – Lower Tier Covered Transactions

School food authorities (SFAs) are required to ensure that all sub-contractors and sub-grantees are neither excluded nor disqualified under the suspension and debarment rules found at 2 CFR

200.212 by doing any one of the following:

• Checking the Excluded Parties List found at the System for Award Management (SAM) www.SAM.gov ;

• Collecting a certification that the entity is neither excluded nor disqualified. Since a federal certification form is no longer available, the grantee or sub-grantee electing this method must devise its own;

• Including a clause to this effect in the sub-grant agreement and in any procurement contract expected to equal or exceed $25,000, awarded by the grantee or a sub-grantee under its grant or sub-grant;

• Sub-grantee and contractors must obtain a Unique Entity ID. All Federal Government awards are required to have a Unique Entity ID. To obtain a Unique Entity ID, visit www.SAM.gov to register. There is no charge for a Unique Entity ID.

The Unique Entity ID serves as a means of tracking and identifying applications for Federal assistance and is required on all applications for Federal assistance.

This certification is required by the regulations implementing Executive Order 12549, Debarment and Suspension. 2 CFR 200.212 Suspension and Debarment. The regulations were published as Part III of the December 26, 2013, Federal Register (pages 78590-78691). Copies of the regulations may be obtained by contacting by contacting the Department of Agriculture agency with which this transaction originated.

Before completing the certification, read “Instructions for Certification” on the next page.

1. The prospective lower tier participant certifies, by submission of this proposal, that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any Federal department or agency.

2. Where the prospective lower tier participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.

Organization name:

PR/award number or project name:

Name and title of authorized representative:

Signature:

Date:

https://sam.gov/content/exclusions http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ and Voluntary Exclusion – Lower Tier Covered Transactions

Connecticut State Department of Education • Revised December 2025 • Page 2 of 4

Instructions for Certification

1. By signing and submitting this form, the prospective lower tier participant is providing the certification set out on the reverse side in accordance with these instructions.

2. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was entered into. If it is later determined that the prospective lower tier participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.

3. The prospective lower tier participant shall provide immediate written notice to the person to which this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective lower tier participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

4. The terms “covered transaction,” “debarred,” “suspended,” “ineligible,” ‘lower tier covered transaction,” “participant,” “person,” “primary covered transaction,” “principal,” “proposal,” and “voluntarily excluded,” as used in this clause, have the meanings set out in the

Definitions and Coverage sections of rules implementing Executive Order 12549. You may contact the person to which this proposal is submitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations.

5. The prospective lower tier participant agrees by submitting this form that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency with which this transaction originated.

6. The prospective lower tier participant further agrees by submitting this form that it will include this clause titled “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and

Voluntary Exclusion – Lower Tier Covered Transactions,” without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions.

7. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that it is not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its principals. Each participant may, but is not required to, check SAM’s

Excluded Parties List.

https://sam.gov/content/exclusions

Connecticut State Department of Education • Revised December 2025 • Page 3 of 4

8. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

9. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 5 of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and /or debarment.

Connecticut State Department of Education • Revised December 2025 • Page 4 of 4

For more information, visit the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Food

Service Management Company (FSMC) webpage or contact the CSDE’s FSMC staff at the Connecticut State Department of Education, Bureau of Child Nutrition Programs, 450

Columbus Boulevard, Suite 504, Hartford, CT 06103-1841. This document is available at https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/nutrition/nslp/procure/certification_procurement_ debarment.pdf.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at:

https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3. email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Nutrition/Food-Service-Management-Company https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Nutrition/Food-Service-Management-Company https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Nutrition/Food-Service-Management-Company/Contact https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/nutrition/nslp/procure/certification_procurement_debarment.pdf https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/nutrition/nslp/procure/certification_procurement_debarment.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf mailto:program.intake@usda.gov

Connecticut State Department of Education • Revised December 2025 • Page 1 of 6

Buy American Justification Form for the School Nutrition Programs

This form documents the school food authority’s (SFA) compliance with the Buy American requirement for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) school nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Seamless Summer Option (SSO) of the NSLP, Afterschool Snack Program (ASP) of the NSLP, and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), in accordance with 7 CFR 210.21 (d) of the NSLP regulations, 7 CFR 220.16 (d) of the SBP regulations, and the USDA final rule, Child Nutrition

Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The Buy American requirement specifies that schools and institutions must purchase domestic commodities or products to the maximum extent practicable. A “domestic commodity or product” is an agricultural commodity that is produced in the United States (U.S.), and a food product that is processed in the U.S. substantially using agricultural commodities that are produced in the

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

The Buy American requirements are summarized in the Connecticut State Department of Education’s

(CSDE) resource, Buy American Requirement for the School Nutrition Programs, and USDA Memo

SP 23-2024: Buy American Provisions Related to the Final Rule Titled, Child Nutrition

Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

For additional resources, visit the “Buy American Requirement” section of the Connecticut State

Department of Education’s (CSDE) Procurement for School Nutrition Programs webpage.

Instructions

SFAs must complete this form when both conditions below apply.

1. Funds from the nonprofit school food service account (NSFSA) are used to purchase non-domestic food products.

2. The non-domestic food product is not listed on the Federal Acquisitions Regulations

(FAR) Non-available Articles List (FAR 25.104) or competitive bids reveal the cost of the

U.S. product is significantly higher than the non-domestic product.

Complete one form annually for each non-domestic food product served in the NSLP, SBP, ASP, SSO, and FFVP. Maintain these forms on file in accordance with the records retention requirements for the school nutrition programs. For additional guidance on records retention, refer to the CSDE’s resource, Records Retention Requirements for the School Nutrition

Programs.

https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Nutrition/School-Nutrition-Programs https://portal.ct.gov/sde/nutrition/national-school-lunch-program https://portal.ct.gov/sde/nutrition/school-breakfast-program https://portal.ct.gov/sde/nutrition/seamless-summer-option-sso-of-the-nslp https://portal.ct.gov/sde/nutrition/afterschool-snack-program https://portal.ct.gov/sde/nutrition/fresh-fruit-and-vegetable-program https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-210#p-210.21(d) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-220#p-220.16(d) https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/25/2024-08098/child-nutrition-programs-meal-patterns-consistent-with-the-2020-2025-dietary-guidelines-for https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/25/2024-08098/child-nutrition-programs-meal-patterns-consistent-with-the-2020-2025-dietary-guidelines-for https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/nutrition/nslp/procure/buy_american_requirement_snp.pdf https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/buy-american-provisions https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/buy-american-provisions https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/buy-american-provisions https://portal.ct.gov/sde/nutrition/procurement-for-school-nutrition-programs/buy-american-requirement https://portal.ct.gov/sde/nutrition/financial-management-for-school-nutrition-programs/nonprofit-school-foodservice#NSFSA https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-25#FAR_25_104 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-25#FAR_25_104 https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/nutrition/nslp/adminrev/records_retention_snp.pdf https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/nutrition/nslp/adminrev/records_retention_snp.pdf for the School Nutrition Programs

Connecticut State Department of Education • Revised December 2025 • Page 2 of 6

Product name:

Country of origin:

Estimated annual usage (specify unit e.g., case):

A. Non-domestic Source

1. Is this food product only available from a non-domestic source?

Yes: Answer the two questions below. No: Complete parts B and C.

a. What alternatives to using this non-domestic food product were considered?

b. What is the justification for using the non-domestic food product?

Connecticut State Department of Education • Revised December 2025 • Page 3 of 6

B. Pricing

1. Bid cost per purchase unit for domestic food product:

2. Bid cost per purchase unit for non-domestic food product:

3. Country of origin for non-domestic food product:

4. Estimated annual cost of domestic food product

(annual usage x bid cost per purchase unit):

5. Estimated annual cost of non-domestic food product

(annual usage x bid cost per purchase unit):

6. If the SFA uses a non-domestic food product because the price of the domestic food product is significantly higher, answer both questions below:

a. What alternatives to using this non-domestic food product were considered?

b. Explain why this cost is significant to the school nutrition program:

Connecticut State Department of Education • Revised December 2025 • Page 4 of 6

C. Seasonality

1. If the food product is not available domestically for part of the school year, indicate the months it is non-domestic and attach supporting documentation (other than a vendor statement).

a. Did the SFA serve the domestic food product during the months it was available?

Yes No: Explain why below.

b. What alternatives to using this non-domestic food product were considered?

Signature of food service director:

Date

Signature of SFA authorized signer *

Date

* The signature of the SFA authorized signer is required only if the district contracts with a food service management company.

Connecticut State Department of Education • Revised December 2025 • Page 5 of 6

For more information, visit the “Buy American Requirement” section of the CSDE’s

Procurement for School Nutrition Programs webpage or contact the procurement staff at the Connecticut State Department of Education, Bureau of Child Nutrition Programs, 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 504, Hartford, CT 06103-1841. This document is available at https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/nutrition/nslp/procure/buy_american_ form_snp.pdf.

https://portal.ct.gov/sde/nutrition/procurement-for-school-nutrition-programs/buy-american-requirement https://portal.ct.gov/sde/nutrition/procurement-for-school-nutrition-programs/contact https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/nutrition/nslp/procure/buy_american_form_snp.pdf https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/nutrition/nslp/procure/buy_american_form_snp.pdf

Connecticut State Department of Education • Revised December 2025 • Page 6 of 6

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S.

Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-

2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the

Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a

Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA

Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/ files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for

Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3. email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

The Connecticut State Department of Education is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons. The Connecticut

Department of Education does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race; color; religious creed; age;

sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation;

workplace hazards to reproductive systems, gender identity or expression; marital status; national origin; ancestry; retaliation for previously opposed discrimination or coercion, intellectual disability;

genetic information; learning disability; physical disability

(including, but not limited to, blindness); mental disability

(past/present history thereof);

military or veteran status; status as a victim of domestic violence; or criminal record in state employment, unless there is a bona fide occupational qualification excluding persons in any of the aforementioned protected classes.

Inquiries regarding the Connecticut

State Department of Education’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: Attorney Louis

Todisco, Connecticut State

Department of Education, by mail

450 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103-1841; or by telephone

860-713-6594; or by email louis.todisco@ct.gov.

https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf mailto:program.intake@usda.gov mailto:louis.todisco@ct.gov

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Any prospective respondents must be willing to adhere to the following conditions and must positively state their compliance to them in the proposal document.

1. Acceptance or Rejection by the Middletown Board of Education - The Middletown Board of Education reserves the right to accept and or reject any or all proposals submitted for consideration or to negotiate separately in any manner necessary to serve the best interests of the BOE. Respondents whose proposals are not accepted shall be notified in writing.

2. Ownership of Proposals - All proposals submitted in response to this RFP are to be the sole property of the Middletown Board of Education and subject to the provisions of Section 1-19 of the Connecticut General Statutes (re: Freedom of Information).

3. Ownership of Subsequent Products - Any product, whether acceptable or unacceptable, developed under a contract awarded as a result of this RFP is to be the sole property of the Middletown Board of Education unless stated otherwise in the RFP or contract.

4. Timing and Sequence - Timing and sequence of events resulting from this RFP will ultimately be determined by the Middletown Board of Education.

5. Stability of Proposed Prices - Any price offering from interested vendors must be valid for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days from the due date of the proposals.

6. Oral Agreements - Any alleged oral agreement or arrangement made by a consultant with any agency or employee will be superseded by the written agreement.

7. Amending or Canceling Requests - The Middletown Board of Education deserves the right to amend or cancel this RFP, prior to the due date and time, if it is in the best interest of the BOE to do so.

8. Rejection for Default or Misrepresentation - The Middletown Board of Education reserves the right to reject the proposal of the consultant which is in default of any prior contract of for misrepresentation.

9. BOE's Clerical Errors in Awards - The Middletown Board of Education reserves the right to correct inaccurate awards resulting from its clerical errors.

10. Rejection of Qualified Proposals - Proposals are subject to rejection in whole or in part if they limit or modify any of the terms and conditions and/or specifications of the RFP.

11. Changes to Proposal -Proposals can be changed at any time as long as the RFP is still open for submission.

12. Collusion - By responding, the consultant implicitly states that the proposal is not made in connection with any competing vendor submitting a separate response to the RFP, and is in all respect fair and without collusion or fraud. It is further implied that the consultant did not participate in the RFP development process, had no knowledge of the specific contents of the RFP prior to its issuance, and that no employee of the Middletown BOE participated directly or indirectly in the vendor's proposal preparation. The respondent shall be required to complete and submit the Non-Collusive Statement incorporated herein with their proposal.

13. Contract Requirements - A formal contractual arrangement will be entered into with the vendor selected as per the Middletown Board of Education's standard form of Agreement. The contents of the proposal submitted by the successful respondent and the RFP will become part of any contract award.

14. Rights Reserved to the Middletown Board of Education

– It is the intent of the BOE to award one (1) contract to the responsible bidder(s) submitting the most qualified proposal to furnish the services complying with these specifications providing that there are sufficient funds available to award this contract.

The Middletown Board of Education reserves the right to award in part, to reject any and all proposals in whole or in part, and to waive technical defects, irregularities and omissions if, in its judgment, the best interest of the BOE will be served. However, the BOE shall reserve the right to make award(s) based upon whatever is in the best interest of the BOE.

Partial Bids – Partial Bids will not be accepted.

15. Termination - If Vendor fails to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement, violates any of the covenants, agreements, or stipulations of this Agreement, or if the BOE deems that the Vendor’s conduct could have a negative effect on the reputation of the BOE, the BOE shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate this Agreement immediately. The BOE also shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate this contract without cause by giving thirty (30) days written notice to Vendor of such termination specifying the date of such termination. Upon termination of the Agreement, the BOE shall have no obligation to pay Vendor for services not performed or goods not received.

16. Interpretations and Addenda - No oral interpretations shall be made to any bidder as to the meaning of any of the Contract Documents or to be effective to modify any of the provisions of the Contract Documents.

Every request for an interpretation and all questions concerning this proposal shall be submitted in writing via email to Christopher Puorro, Purchasing Agent, at puorroc@mpsct.org or through the Opportunity Q&A at https://mpsct.bonfirehub.com by Wednesday, April 08, 2026 by noon est. to be considered.

If the question involves the equality or use of products or methods, it must be accompanied by drawings, specifications or other data in sufficient detail to enable the Purchasing Agent to determine the equality or suitability of the product or method. In general, the Purchasing Agent will neither approve nor disapprove particular products prior to the opening of the proposal; such products will be considered when offered by the bidder for incorporation into the work.

The Purchasing Agent will arrange as Addenda, which shall become a part of the contract, all questions received as above provided and the decision regarding each. The Purchasing Agent will post said addenda to the BOE e- Procurement website at https:// mpsct.bonfirehub.com. Non-receipt of said Addenda shall not excuse compliance with said addenda. It is the bidder’s responsibility to determine whether any addenda have been issued and if so whether he/she has received a copy of each. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the Purchasing Agent from posting Addenda to extend the deadline for the receipt of bids at any time and for any reason.

It is the responsibility of each bidder to visit our website at https://mpsct.bonfirehub.com to view additional information and/or acknowledge any addenda’s issued prior to submitting a bid/proposal.

No alleged "verbal interpretation" shall be held valid.

Any addenda issued during the bidding period shall supersede previous information.

17. Certificates of Insurance - The selected firm shall be required to provide appropriate Certificates of Insurance as indicated in the Attachment "Insurance Requirements".

18. Withdrawal of Proposals - Negligence on the part of the respondent in preparing the proposal confers no right of withdrawal after the time fixed for the acceptance of the proposals.

19. Assigning, Transferring of Agreement - The successful respondent is prohibited from assigning, transferring, conveying, subletting or otherwise disposing of this agreement of its rights, title or interest therein or its power to execute such agreement to any other person, company or corporation without the prior consent and approval in writing by the BOE.

20. Cost of Preparing Proposal - The BOE shall not be responsible for any expenses incurred by the organization in preparing and submitting a proposal.

All proposals shall provide a straight-forward, concise delineation of the firm's capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this request. Emphasis should be on completeness and clarity of content.

21. Affirmative Action - Demonstration of commitment to Affirmative Action by full compliance with the regulations of the Commission of Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO).

22. Technical Questions Related to Submission-The Middletown BOE uses a Bonfire portal for accepting and evaluating proposals digitally. Please contact Bonfire at Support@GoBonfire.com for technical questions related to your submission. You can also visit their help forum at https://bonfirehub.zendesk.com/hc

CITY OF MIDDLETOWN CONNECTICUT

NON-COLLUSIVE BID STATEMENT

All bidders are required to sign a Non-Collusive Statement with all public bids as follows:

l. The bid has been arrived at by the bidder, independently and has been submitted without collusion with, and without any agreement, understanding, or planned common course of action with any other bidder of materials, supplies, equipment, or services described in the Invitation to Bid, designed to limit independent bidding or competition; and

2. The contents of the bid have not been communicated by the bidder or its employees or agents to any person not an employee or agent of the bidder or its surety on any bond furnished with the bid, and will not be communicated to any person prior to the official opening of the bid.

Date

Signed

Company

Address

Telephone Number

CHAPTER 26, CONTRACTS

ARTICLE I--EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN EMPLOYMENT.

26-1 Contract Provisions Required

Every contract made by or on behalf of the Middletown Board of Education for the construction, lease, alteration or repair of any public building or public work, or for the purchase, manufacture, sale or distribution of materials, equipment or supplies shall contain provisions providing for equal opportunity in employment.

26-2 Enforcement Officer

The Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management, who is the City's Affirmative Action Officer, shall have the authority to enforce this ordinance.

26-3 Provisions to be Included

A. Every contract for the construction, alteration or repair of any public building or public work shall contain the following provisions approved by the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management Director:

The contractor agrees and warrants that in the performance of this contract he or she will not discriminate or permit discrimination against any person or group of persons on the grounds of age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, including, but not limited to blindness, race, religious creed, sex, including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, workplace hazards to reproduction systems, political belief, military or veteran status, or criminal record in accordance with §46a-60(a)(1), 46a-80(b), or 46a-81(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes. Unless provisions are controlling or there is a bona fide occupational qualification excluding persons in one of the above protected groups, in any manner is prohibited by the laws of the United States or of the State of Connecticut and the City of Middletown. In addition, the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act, Connecticut General Statutes §46a-51 et seq., (CFEPA), not only prohibits discrimination based on actual physical disability, but also applies to discrimination based on perceived physical disability. The contractor also agrees to provide the Affirmative Action Officer of the City of Middletown with such information that may be requested concerning the employment practices and procedures of the contractor as related to the provisions of this section.

B. The aforesaid provision shall include, but not be limited to, the following: advertising, recruitment, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, conditions or privileges of employment selection for apprenticeship, selection or retention of subcontractors, or in the procurement of materials, equipment or services.

26.4 Notices to be posted on project site.

The…