RFPK5871_Questions_Responses121224.docx

Washington Commodities Donation Grant Program Responses to Questions from Proposers.

Solicitation RFPK5871

Please note: Responses to questions received will be high level and not specific to any organization in order to allow for open and fair competition. All questions received and responses provided regarding this RFP will be recorded and posted to WEBS without the inquiring organization’s identification.

Questions and responses are numbered as received.

Q1. The grant program purpose is to procure Washington grown produce, grains and protein. Are dairy and eggs included in the protein umbrella? What grains are covered?

R1. Based on the initial feedback we received prior to the RFP it was determined that we would not include specific product types or limit product types.

Q2. On page 9 under Business Auto Policy, we do not own any vehicles that are used for business purposes. Does this policy still apply in our case?

R2. If your organization does not own any vehicles that are used for business purposes, this would not apply.

Q3. On page 11, under Distribution it speaks to the reporting of where the food is being distributed to. If food is also shipped to other distributing organizations, would reporting be based on 1st tier distribution or do you need the ‘last mile’ food bank who received the product?

R3. We would need both, the other distributing organization and the ‘last mile’ food bank that received the product.

Q4. On attachment C, Identification of Cost Percentages by Budget Category, where do the costs for tri-walls bins (that bulk produce are packed in), pallets and temp recorders fall under? Is this cost figured in the Food Acquisition line?

R4. If you are doing the purchasing of these items then they could fall into the Staffing and Operations category. If it is part of the negotiated food price then that would be allowable as well.

Q5. Also, because some of the food bank distributors prefer to receive fresh produce in bulk, but it needs to be re-packed into 40# cardboard boxes, will the grant cover the purchases of cardboard boxes that would be shipped to a food distributor for the sole purpose of packing bulk produce in?

R5. Yes, and if you are doing the purchasing and providing the boxes to the food bank distributors then those costs would fall into the Staffing and Operations category.

Q6. Also under attachment C, what types of costs would go under “Pass-through to Food Distributors?”

R6. Any funding that you are providing directly to food distributors (i.e., transportation or staffing costs) and not on their behalf.

Q7. On page 14 under II, #2, it talks about identification method for foods that are at risk of becoming food waste. We only procure fresh produce that is processor-grade. Meaning, it is still wholesome and edible to eat but doesn’t meet the specifications for the retail-grade consumer market. Will we need to provide any support documentation or affidavit from a food producer that verifies the product we are procuring is at risk of potentially becoming food waste?

R7. We are asking you to tell us what the identification method is that you will be using and are not requiring one specific method.

Q8. in past WSDA RFP’s there has been an ability to partner with a different type of organization and report that as shared experience for eligibility.

R8. The Proposer would not use a non-eligible organization’s (not a nonprofit) experience or reporting data to meet eligibility, qualifications, and/ or experience requirements of the RFP.

This WSDA RFP is a separate and distinct RFP specific to the Washington Commodities Donation Grant Program.

Q9. If an organization were to partner with a medium sized non-profit serving rural areas and underserved populations, that meets all of the requirements, could an organization declare a partnership and allow them to report on our infrastructure and food sourcing and volume capabilities as part of the RFP?

R. The Proposer would include this information in the Work Plan section of the RFP (refer to Exhibit 3). The Work Plan section of the RFP is the where the Proposer is to describe how they intend to implement the Grant.

RFP K5871 WCDGP December 12, 2024