Processing USDA Material 100047 Bulk Eggs

The South Dakota Department of Education's Division of Child and Adult Nutrition Services is seeking a qualified vendor to process USDA material 100047 Bulk Eggs into usable end products through a Request for Proposal (RFP). The primary objective is to convert bulk eggs into various menu items such as omelets, scrambled eggs, and French toast sticks for eligible recipient agencies. Consultants must be an approved USDA National Processing Agreement Commodity Processor and submit a comprehensive proposal by November 27, 2023. Key proposal requirements include providing detailed pricing for processing, nutritional information, and meeting specific delivery, packaging, and labeling standards. The State will evaluate proposals based on multiple factors including cost, qualifications, past performance, and results from a mandatory taste-testing evaluation. A Letter of Intent is required by October 30, 2023, with inquiries accepted until November 6, 2023. The anticipated contract award date is February 1, 2024, with a contract start date of July 1, 2024, and an initial one-year term that can be extended for up to four additional one-year periods.

The RFP does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Consultants must comply with South Dakota Executive Order 2023-02, which requires certification that they are not a "Prohibited Entity" and grants the state the right to terminate contracts for false certifications. While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, potential contractors must register with USDA's Web Supply Chain Management system and obtain USDA approval for any subcontractors. The contract will require adherence to specific requirements including backhauling, CN labeling, and delivery of end products. Although the RFP does not specify a precise budget range or contract value, the scope suggests a substantial ongoing engagement for processing USDA-donated eggs into institutional food products. Interested vendors must demonstrate comprehensive food processing capabilities, nutritional expertise, and compliance with stringent state and federal food production standards.