NS26-130 Athenian eAcademy - Summer Meal Program for Shelf Stable Meal Components

Athenian eAcademy, a school food authority in Utah, is conducting a Request for Proposal (RFP) to procure shelf-stable, individually packaged meal components for a non-congregate summer meal program serving approximately 140,000 meals during June and July 2026. The procurement seeks qualified vendors to supply diverse products including protein and meat alternates (nut butters, hummus, bean-based dips, roasted seeds, legume snacks), dairy and dairy alternates (shelf-stable yogurt), grain items (crackers and snack grains), combination and snack items, beverages, and shelf-stable fruit products. All items must meet USDA crediting requirements, include appropriate nutrition labels, and comply with USDA Child Nutrition Program meal pattern requirements, with vendors capable of fulfilling large-volume orders and providing reliable delivery and documentation while adhering to food safety regulations. The RFP evaluates proposals using weighted criteria: Product Availability and Variety (40%), Cost (30%), Ability to Meet Specifications (20%), and Delivery and Service (10%). Questions must be submitted by April 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM Mountain Time, proposals are due by May 1, 2026 at 2:00 PM Mountain Time via email to Ashley Smith at Ashleysmith@aea.rocks, and award notification is scheduled for May 8, 2026. Vendors may submit firm, fixed pricing at the case, pallet, or full truckload level, with delivery accommodating sites without loading docks through liftgate service or case delivery through standard doorways. The contract will be for a one-time purchase with optional renewal for up to four additional one-year periods contingent upon satisfactory vendor performance, continued program need, fair pricing, and mutual agreement.

The solicitation documentation does not identify specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting responses to particular enterprise categories or disadvantaged business classifications. All food products must comply with Buy American provisions and be domestically sourced, with exceptions requiring vendor justification. No incumbent vendors, current contractors, or existing infrastructure integration requirements are specified in the solicitation materials. The RFP reserves the right to award one or more contracts by product category or line item, reject any or all proposals, combine or separate purchases based on pricing and operational needs, and adjust product quantities based on final menu planning. While specific award values or budget ranges are not disclosed in the solicitation posting, the procurement represents a significant bulk purchase estimated to support 140,000 meals. Vendors may protest the award in writing within five calendar days of award notification.