Produce for Coooperative purchasing group

The Oregon Child Nutrition Coalition (OCNC) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a vendor to provide fresh produce and delivery services for its member organizations, which represent approximately 30% of Oregon's school student enrollment. The procurement targets a comprehensive range of produce items including apples, asparagus, avocados, bananas, berries, broccoli, carrots, celery, cucumbers, grapes, lettuce, melons, onions, oranges, pears, peppers, pineapple, potatoes, spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes. Proposers must submit pricing using a cost reimbursement model with discounts, deviations, and a fixed fee structure. The RFP requires vendors to comply with Buy American provisions, ensuring that agricultural commodities and food products are predominantly sourced domestically. Proposal submissions are due by August 29, 2022, with the Notice of Intent to Award scheduled for September 1, 2022. The anticipated contract will allow for up to four annual renewals through the 2026-2027 school year, covering jurisdictions including Yamhill County and the City of Manzanita.

The OCNC encourages participation from minority, women, and emerging small business enterprises, potentially requiring successful proposers to submit a Certified Firm Outreach Plan if subcontracting opportunities arise. Vendors must demonstrate compliance with equal employment opportunity standards and be prepared to provide annual price adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. While specific set-aside percentages are not explicitly detailed, the RFP indicates a preference for diverse vendor participation. The estimated annual contract value is approximately $1 million, with potential for multi-year engagement. Proposers will need to provide comprehensive documentation attesting to the domestic content of their products, comply with insurance requirements, and be prepared to meet stringent procurement guidelines that support U.S. agricultural businesses and local economic interests.