Paper Goods, Chemicals, and Supplies 2025-2026

The City of New Haven Board of Education (BOE) Food Service department is soliciting bids for Paper Goods, Chemicals, and Supplies for the 2025-2026 school year. The procurement covers a comprehensive range of food service and cleaning supplies, including disposable food service items, paper cups, plates, trays, utensils, plastic containers, food packaging, and chemical cleaning products. The program serves approximately 19,000 meals per day across 224 program days, with a contract term from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and options for two additional one-year renewals. Key procurement dates include a solicitation advertisement on March 1, 2025, a question and clarification deadline of March 31, 2025, and a solicitation due date of April 22, 2025, at 11:00 am. Evaluation criteria will include pricing, delivery capabilities, quality assurance programs, business stability, and product specifications. Vendors must comply with the USDA Buy American Provision and provide comprehensive documentation, including product specifications, recall programs, and HACCP programs. The BOE reserves the right to award contracts to multiple vendors and will evaluate proposals based on cost, service capabilities, and ability to partner with Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE).

The solicitation emphasizes opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) to participate in the bidding process. Vendors must demonstrate the ability to meet strict product substitution, delivery, and quality requirements, with a focus on maintaining product consistency and supporting the nutritional needs of the school meal program. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the large-scale nature of the procurement (19,000 meals daily) suggests a substantial contract value. The procurement policy requires vendors to provide documentation such as lists of principal owners, percentage of city residents, and minority staff representation. Contracts requiring Board of Education approval will be for amounts over $50,000, with the Superintendent authorized to approve smaller purchases. The city's procurement approach prioritizes open competition while ensuring fiscal responsibility, with the Chief Financial Officer reviewing purchases to prevent duplication and verify reasonable costs. Vendors will be expected to demonstrate their capacity to deliver specific services and maintain high-quality standards throughout the contract period.