Procurement Consultant

Rockies Procurement Services (RPS), a cooperative comprising approximately 45 school food authorities across Colorado and Wyoming, is seeking a part-time Procurement Consultant to serve as a purchasing agent and manager. The selected consultant will be responsible for comprehensive procurement activities, including developing annual operating calendars, creating standard operating procedures, coordinating with group purchasing organizations, conducting price audits, managing membership renewals, and serving as a liaison between RPS school food authorities, vendors, and manufacturers. The consultant must be Colorado-based and work approximately 20 hours per week, with responsibilities focused on guiding procurement activities, providing education and support, and enhancing communication among members. The proposal submission deadline is March 14, 2024, with an anticipated contract award on March 20, 2024. The initial contract will run from April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024, with options for five consecutive one-year renewals subject to annual evaluation and board approval. The evaluation process will utilize a comprehensive scoring system totaling 230 points, with key weighted categories including cost of services (40 points), business history (35 points), professional references (20 points), and federal/state regulation monitoring (20 points). An optional interview/presentation may be required for qualifying respondents on March 15, 2024.

The RFP does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The selected consultant will be expected to follow all federal and USDA procurement procedures, policies, and rules while focusing on maximizing procurement efficiencies and savings for RPS members. While no incumbent vendor is explicitly mentioned, the contract emphasizes the need for extensive experience in school food authority procurement, communication, and membership support. The proposal evaluation will consider multiple criteria including service philosophy, future impact potential, communication and outreach capabilities, renewal negotiation skills, transition experience, auditing capabilities, and satisfaction survey abilities. Although a specific budget range is not disclosed, the part-time nature of the role and the comprehensive scope of responsibilities suggest a competitive compensation package commensurate with the consultant's expertise and the critical nature of supporting school food procurement across Colorado and Wyoming.