Invitation to bid UCAN CACFP-2025

The United Community Action Network (UCAN) Head Start program in Douglas County, Oregon, is seeking competitive bids for a comprehensive food and non-food product procurement contract for their School Food Service Programs covering the 2024-2026 academic years. The procurement opportunity targets a vendor capable of supplying a full range of food items including produce, dairy, meat, grains, and associated non-food supplies to support approximately 86,000 breakfasts, 110,000 lunches, and 86,000 snacks annually for low-income children in the region. Vendors must demonstrate the ability to provide weekly deliveries to multiple locations throughout Douglas County, maintain proper food storage temperatures during transit, and comply with USDA nutritional guidelines and Child Nutrition (CN) Label standards. The bid submission deadline is March 7, 2025, with vendor selection notifications expected by March 21, 2025. The initial contract period will run from April 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with potential annual renewals for up to four additional years. Evaluation criteria will focus on being the lowest responsible bidder meeting all specified requirements, with annual pricing subject to review against the Consumer Price Index.

The procurement opportunity appears open to all qualified vendors without specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Prospective bidders must provide comprehensive documentation including liability insurance, non-collusion certification, and anti-lobbying compliance statements. Vendors are required to fully disclose any rebates or incentives received from suppliers and must be capable of providing the entire range of menu and supply items listed in the bid form. The contract includes provisions for potential termination if price increases exceed the Consumer Price Index, providing financial protection for the procuring agency. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the volume of meals (approximately 282,000 annual servings) suggests a substantial contract value. The multi-year renewal option indicates potential long-term partnership opportunities for the selected vendor, with performance and pricing subject to annual review.