Disposable Paper & Plastic Products for Food Service

Austin Independent School District (AISD) is soliciting proposals through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for Disposable Paper & Plastic Products for Food Service, with the procurement governed by Texas Education Code Section 44.031(3). The district seeks qualified and experienced firms to supply various disposable foodservice paper and plastic products for delivery directly to the central warehouse, serving a school system that prepares over 65,000 meals daily across 114 kitchens. Key objectives include improving child nutrition by providing quality products while supporting local producers and environmentally conscious practices, with mandatory compliance to National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program requirements for domestic commodity sourcing. Required qualifications include demonstrated experience in foodservice supply provision, submission of three professional references from government agencies or comparable firms, and ability to meet firm fixed pricing with no cost-plus percentage arrangements permitted. Evaluation criteria encompass purchase price, vendor reputation, service quality, ability to meet district needs, past vendor relationships, impact on historically underutilized businesses, and total long-term cost. The proposal due date is October 17, 2025, at 2:00 pm CST, with questions due by October 3, 2025. The initial contract term runs from November 5, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with potential for up to two additional one-year renewals, and payment terms are Net 30 with electronic invoice submission required.

The RFP does not establish specific set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises but emphasizes the district's preference for small, local, and minority-owned firms within its broader evaluation framework. All responding vendors must comply with extensive federal provisions covering civil rights, non-discrimination, equal employment opportunity, wage standards, workplace safety, environmental regulations, and immigration verification, with potential contract funding contingent on adherence to federally funded contract requirements. Vendors must obtain Commercial General Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, along with Worker's Compensation Insurance consistent with Texas statutory benefits, and all policies must be written by Texas-licensed companies with A.M. Best ratings of A-VII or better. Submission requirements include completion of required forms including W-9, Bid Certification, Debarment and Suspension Certification, Conflict of Interest Questionnaire, and Strategic Partner Profile, as well as registration on the district's Payment Works platform for awarded vendors. No incumbent vendors or budget ranges are specified in the solicitation materials, and vendors are prohibited from contacting district personnel or Board members during the restricted contact period that extends from solicitation issuance through contract execution.