Grocery 26-27

The New Haven Board of Education Food and Nutrition Department is requesting proposals for grocery and food items (bread, dairy, meats, and general groceries) to support the 2026 summer program and 2026-27 school year serving approximately 17,500–19,000 meals daily across 224 service days, with proposals due June 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM and questions due June 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM. The solicitation carries a mandatory 25% minority and women-owned business enterprise (MBE/WBE) participation requirement; contractors must submit a completed MBE Utilization Form identifying all subcontractors, their classifications, and outreach methods, with failure to complete the form resulting in rejection as non-responsive.

Scope includes fish, frozen poultry, beef, turkey, eggs, dairy, grains, frozen vegetables and fruits, beverages, and condiments in quantities specified in the pricing table. All products must comply with USDA National School Lunch and Breakfast Standards, Connecticut Healthy Standards, and specific nutritional metrics (whole grain minimums of 51%, sodium and sugar restrictions, allergen considerations). Vendors must demonstrate annual velocity reporting capability detailing products purchased including farmer and processor information, certifications, quantities, weights, and costs to support the City's Good Food Purchasing Program. Delivery is required directly to schools and central kitchen (75 Barnes Avenue, New Haven) between 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM on mutually agreed dates; no minimum order requirements apply.

The contract period runs July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with two optional one-year renewal periods. Pricing must be firm fixed-price for the contract duration unless materially dramatic and unanticipated market changes occur, with adjustment requests requiring documented justification and approval. The City operates a Buy American provision requiring domestic agricultural commodities and processed foods comprised of over 51% domestically grown items. Contractors must carry minimum general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence, name the City as additional insured, and comply with the City's Living Wage Ordinance and "No Purchase Order, No Payment Policy."

Evaluation uses a "Reward Low Cost" methodology dividing the lowest proposal cost by each proposal's cost and applying the resulting percentage to maximum cost points. The pre-proposal meeting is June 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM via Microsoft Teams (non-mandatory). The City reserves the right to award to a single prime vendor, multiple vendors, or any variation deemed in its best interest.