FNS Commercial and Locally Grown Produce

The Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) Food and Nutrition Services is seeking proposals for commercial and locally grown produce through Request for Proposal (RFP) 25-030, targeting fresh produce products not available through the Department of Defense (DoD) program. The procurement covers a comprehensive list of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, with a specific emphasis on cultivating relationships with local Colorado farmers. Proposals are due by May 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. MST and must be submitted through the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System (BidNet). The contract will run from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with potential for four additional one-year renewals. Evaluation criteria will prioritize pricing, with additional points awarded for geographic preference of local Colorado produce, and will assess factors including responsiveness, facility capabilities, ordering system, service and delivery, references, and potential minority/women's business enterprise status. Vendors must provide detailed pricing information and meet Buy American Act requirements, with the district expecting 98% order fulfillment without shortages or substitutions. Delivery will be to the CCSD Student Nutrition Center in Centennial, Colorado, using clean refrigerated trucks with proper packaging and specific delivery windows.

The RFP allows for both firm price and cost-plus fixed fee pricing methodologies and encourages participation from diverse vendors, including potential minority/women's business enterprises. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly stated, the solicitation demonstrates a preference for local Colorado producers. The district reserves the right to award contracts to multiple vendors and will conduct quarterly audits to ensure competitive pricing and compliance. Vendors must complete a detailed product specification spreadsheet, indicating product details such as USDA grades, case/unit pack sizes, availability periods, and countries of origin. Although no specific award value or budget range is provided, the RFP includes yearly estimates of historical purchasing data to guide potential bidders. Vendors are permitted to submit "NO Bid" for items they cannot supply and are encouraged to provide transparent communication about product availability and specifications. The procurement aims to establish a flexible, comprehensive produce supply chain that prioritizes local sourcing and high-quality product delivery.