Request for Proposal for Summer Produce 2017

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) in Wisconsin is seeking a produce distributor for its 2017 summer feeding program through Request for Proposal (RFP) 3379. The procurement aims to supply fresh produce to approximately 27,000 students over an eight-week period from June 19 through August 11, 2017. The district requires daily deliveries five days per week between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM to its Food Production Center, with a comprehensive product list including 28 distinct produce items such as apples, various vegetables, and fruits. Vendors must guarantee a minimum 98% fill rate, provide products in ready-to-eat condition, and ensure all packaged produce arrives without defects. The proposal evaluation will use weighted criteria including cost (40%), service capabilities (20%), organizational qualifications (20%), diverse-owned business documentation (5%), and references (15%). Key dates include a May 9, 2017 deadline for written questions, a May 16, 2017 proposal submission deadline at 2:00 PM CST, and anticipated award notifications on May 23, 2017.

The RFP includes provisions favoring diverse-owned businesses, offering a 5% preference for certified vendors. Vendors with 16 or more employees awarded contracts exceeding $25,000 must submit Affirmative Action documentation. The district will require successful vendors to provide HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan documentation and maintain fixed pricing for 60 days from the proposal due date. Liquidated damages of $1,000 per working day may be assessed for delivery failures, not to exceed one-half of the total contract value. The district reserves the right to terminate the contract with 60 days written notice and may negotiate terms with the highest-scoring proposer. While specific total contract value is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive produce list and eight-week service period suggest a substantial procurement opportunity for qualified produce distributors. The contract is structured to be performance-based, with strict quality and delivery requirements.