School Delivery Fresh Dairy Products & Juice (District-Wide Delivery) for Food and Child Nutrition Services

Dallas Independent School District (DISD) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Fresh Dairy Products & Juice District-Wide Delivery to support its Food and Child Nutrition Services program. The procurement seeks vendors to supply a comprehensive range of dairy and juice products, including milk, butter, sour cream, yogurt, shelf-stable milk, various juice varieties, cheese, and related dairy items. The contract is structured for district-wide delivery to individual school cafeterias and the central kitchen, with daily deliveries required between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM Central Time. All products must meet USDA specifications, be Grade A Pasteurized and Homogenized, maintain refrigeration temperatures of 41F or lower, and arrive with a minimum seven-day shelf life. The initial contract term runs from March 27, 2026, through March 26, 2027, with options for two subsequent one-year renewals, not exceeding three years total. Vendors must submit proposals electronically through the Bonfire portal before the specified due date, with award decisions based on best value criteria including purchase price, vendor reputation, product quality, and ability to meet district needs.

The solicitation encourages participation from all vendors, including sole source providers, with a strong emphasis on Small Business Enterprise (SBE) participation. The district has an aspirational goal of 30% contract dollar value for SBEs, with evaluation points allocated for SBE enhancements, references, and participation plans. Vendors must complete several mandatory compliance forms, including a Conflict of Interest Questionnaire, Certificate of Interested Parties (Form 1295), and Pre-Employment Affidavit. The district will consider Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) requirements in its evaluation process and requires vendors to maintain current insurance coverage and comply with federal and state regulations. While specific contract values are not explicitly stated, the procurement will utilize local, state, federal, and grant-funded programs. Vendors must also adhere to a strict prohibited ingredients list, avoiding artificial colors, flavors, certain preservatives, and specific sweeteners, demonstrating the district's commitment to clean label food products for its students.