Processing USDA Material 100154 or 100155 Bulk Beef

The South Dakota Department of Education's Division of Child and Adult Nutrition is seeking a qualified vendor to process USDA material 100154 or 100155 Bulk Beef into usable end products through Request for Proposal #23RFP9152. The procurement specifically targets food processors capable of producing pre-cooked beef products including crumbles, patties, meatballs, and sliced beef that meet specific CN meal equivalency and sodium targets. Qualified consultants must be approved USDA National Processing Agreement (NPA) Commodity Processors with demonstrated capabilities to handle large-scale food processing. Key deliverables include providing 15 servings of each proposed product for taste testing at five sample schools by November 17, 2023, and preparing to deliver processed beef products beginning July 1, 2024. Proposal submissions are due by November 27, 2023, at 5:00 PM CT, with a Letter of Intent required by October 30, 2023. Evaluation criteria will encompass cost, reliability, vendor qualifications, resources, past performance, and ability to meet project constraints, with the state reserving the right to award contracts to multiple consultants.

The contract opportunity does not explicitly specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. However, the RFP includes a Contractor Certification requirement under South Dakota Executive Order 2023-02, which prohibits vendors that are ultimately owned or controlled by foreign nationals from specific countries, including China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Cuba, and Venezuela. Consultants must certify they are not a "Prohibited Entity" and acknowledge that providing a false certification could result in contract termination. The proposed contract will be for one year, with potential renewal options for up to four additional one-year terms. While specific budget ranges are not detailed in the provided documentation, the procurement involves processing substantial quantities of USDA bulk beef for distribution to eligible recipient agencies within South Dakota, particularly targeting school nutrition programs. Interested vendors must direct all inquiries to the designated buyer, Rochelle Kenzy, via email, with the understanding that inappropriate contacts could result in suspension or exclusion from the procurement process.