Fluid Milk

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is seeking a fluid milk distributor to support its National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, After School Snack Program, and Summer Food Service Program across approximately 49 school locations in Dane County, Wisconsin. The procurement involves a comprehensive milk supply contract that requires the vendor to provide milk coolers and deliver milk products, with an estimated daily usage of 16,000 half-pint cartons during the academic year and an additional 125,000 cartons during the summer program. Proposals are due by September 13, 2024, at 2:00 PM CST, with an anticipated contract award on October 22, 2024. The contract will be effective upon award and run through June 30, 2026, with an option to renew for two additional one-year periods. Evaluation criteria will include cost, service and support capabilities, vendor qualifications and experience, and diverse-owned business status. Vendors must provide a detailed delivery and operational plan within 7 days prior to initial deliveries and demonstrate compliance with affirmative action and equal employment opportunity requirements.

The district has specific requirements for vendor participation, including mandatory certification that vendors are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible for government contracts. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the RFP indicates a preference for diverse-owned businesses. The current milk vendor supplies at least 75 milk coolers, suggesting potential infrastructure continuity for the incoming vendor. Pricing terms require all proposed prices to remain fixed for 60 days after the proposal due date, and the district maintains a tax-exempt status. Although a specific budget range is not disclosed, the district's substantial daily milk consumption (16,000 cartons during the academic year and 125,000 during summer) indicates a potentially significant contract value. Vendors will be expected to provide comprehensive milk distribution services, including equipment provision and consistent delivery across multiple school locations in the Dane County area.