MPA 421 - Statewide School Food Services Program

The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) is soliciting proposals through a Request for Proposal (RFP) to establish Master Price Agreement (MPA) 421 for a statewide school food services program. The procurement seeks qualified firms to provide comprehensive school food services program administration and support at both state and School Food Authority (SFA) levels, with the primary objectives of improving student nutrition and health while ensuring maximum cost savings and operational efficiency. Deliverables include both State and SFA-level activities that must occur annually throughout the contract term. Vendors must submit proposals electronically through Ocean State Procures (www.ridop.ri.gov) by March 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT, with vendor questions accepted through March 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT. Proposals will be evaluated using a two-envelope system based on technical merit and cost. Required proposal components include a Vendor Certification Form questionnaire, technical proposal, Supplemental Bidder Attestation Form, MBE Participation Acknowledgment Form, and separate cost proposal. The initial contract term begins approximately July 1, 2026 for one year, with options for up to four additional 12-month renewal periods at RIDE's discretion, with written notice required at least 90 days prior to each renewal year.

The procurement requires Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) participation in accordance with Rhode Island law, with an MBE Utilization Plan to be submitted upon award issuance. All awarded vendors will be subject to a 0.33% contract administrative fee withheld from invoices. Required insurance coverage includes general liability ($1,000,000), workers' compensation ($100,000), automobile liability ($1,000,000), liability insurance for work with children, elderly, and disabled persons ($1,000,000), and technology errors and omissions insurance ($5,000,000). The Master Price Agreement has statewide applicability and may be utilized by political subdivisions, municipalities, and institutions of higher education. While the solicitation document does not specify the estimated total contract value or identify any incumbent vendors, the program has been in operation since 2007, suggesting continuity with existing infrastructure and systems. This opportunity is available to qualified firms meeting the insurance requirements and capable of administering comprehensive school food services at multiple organizational levels across Rhode Island.