MRPC RFP #2026-05 Ice Cream Novelties Solicitation

The Multi-Region Purchasing Cooperative (MRPC) is requesting proposals for ice cream novelty products and direct-to-district delivery services under RFP #2026-05, with bids due April 7, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. CST. The solicitation is issued on behalf of Region 10 Education Service Center and participating member districts in Texas. All bids must comply with the Buy American Rule and USDA federal regulations; Smart Snack-compliant items are preferred for à la carte sales.

The scope covers ice cream novelty products meeting K-12 child nutrition program requirements, with direct-to-district delivery. Pricing must be submitted on a case or unit basis as FOB destination, with all freight and delivery charges included. Pricing shall remain fixed and firm unless otherwise specified in special terms and conditions. Payment terms allow participating members 7–10 days net from invoice receipt, though individual districts may require 30-day net terms. The Purchaser is exempt from federal, state, and local excise and sales taxes.

The estimated contract value is $4,493,296 based on aggregated forecasted product needs from participating members. The initial contract term runs July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with four optional one-year renewal terms available.

Evaluation uses a 100-point rubric: cost (35 points), vendor responsibility and responsiveness (15 points), product quality (20 points), alignment with purchaser needs (20 points), vendor reputation and references (4 points), small/minority/woman/veteran-owned business certification (1 point), and other relevant factors such as online ordering systems, available reports, lead times, and minimum delivery requirements (5 points).

Questions are due April 1, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. CST. A pre-recorded pre-bid video was released March 9, 2026 and posted on the MRPC website. Bid evaluation is scheduled April 7–21, 2026, with tentative award April 24, 2026. All submissions are electronic through the Bonfire e-bid platform; faxed, emailed, or mailed bids will not be accepted.