Dairy and Juice 26-27

The New Haven Board of Education Food and Nutrition Department is requesting proposals for delivery of dairy and juice products to summer camp, schools, and the Central Kitchen for the 2026-27 school year, with proposals due June 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM and a pre-proposal meeting on June 9 at 10:00 AM via Microsoft Teams (non-mandatory). A mandatory 25% minority and women-owned business (MBE/WBE) participation goal applies; vendors must submit a completed MBE Utilization Form certifying achievement of this goal or face non-responsive rejection.

The program operates approximately 224 service days annually, serving 17,500 to 19,000 meals per day. Scope includes milk products in multiple types and sizes (1% white and chocolate milk, skim, whole, lactose-free, and alternatives such as Lactaid, rice, and soy milk), juices (100% orange, apple, and grape juice in multiple sizes), and supplemental dairy items (yogurt, creamers, butter blend, and cream cheese). Estimated volumes include 1.5 million units each of 1% white and chocolate milk (vendors should not price both at full quantity), approximately 1 million units of juice products, and associated supplemental items. Vendors must select one of three delivery schedules: once weekly on Monday, or twice weekly on Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday, between 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM. All unit costs must exclude federal excise and state sales taxes and include freight, warehousing, delivery, and fuel. Vendors must demonstrate HACCP certification, day-to-day delivery capability to similarly sized school districts, business and financial stability, quality assurance programs, online ordering capability compatible with the City's HORIZON system, and ability to provide velocity reports and data supporting the Good Food Purchasing Program. Compliance with USDA Buy American Provision is required.

The contract term is one year (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027) with two optional one-year renewals at the sole discretion of New Haven Public Schools. Pricing must remain firm fixed for the contract duration unless a materially dramatic and unanticipated market change occurs, supported by written documentation. The City reserves the right to award to a single vendor, multiple vendors, or any combination in its best interest.

Evaluation weighting: Cost/Value 25%, Service and Capability 30%, Buying Group Participation 20%, Business Information 10%, Scope of Requirements 5%, and Complete and Detailed List of Items 10%. Questions are due June 16 at 5:00 PM. The City enforces a "No Purchase Order, No Payment Policy" and imposes a $25 per day penalty for late or incomplete velocity reports. Payment terms are net 30 to 60 days.