Select RFP

The Oregon Child Nutrition Coalition (OCNC) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for USDA Commodity Processing, targeting processed food items for school nutrition programs across approximately 160 school districts serving 160,000 students. The RFP seeks vendors to provide processed commodity food products including chicken, beef, turkey, pizza, cheese, pork, and fruit items, with specific requirements for CN crediting minimums, whole grain, reduced sodium, and alternate protein options. Vendors must have signed a National Processing Agreement approved by USDA and the Oregon Department of Education, carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in general liability insurance, and comply with the Buy American requirement that commodities be grown in the US and food products be at least 51% processed domestically. The RFP was issued on December 19, 2024, with proposals due by January 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM PST, and includes a mandatory product demonstration at the OCNC Commodity and New Products Show on February 13, 2025. Evaluation criteria will focus on product description, pricing, and testing experience, with a Notice of Intent to Award anticipated on February 20, 2025, following a protest period ending February 28, 2025.

The contract offers three pricing structures: Cash Rebate, Fee for Service, and Net Off Invoice, with no volume commitment required. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned, the RFP is open to food processors and manufacturers capable of meeting detailed product specifications. Awarded vendors include major food companies such as JTM Provisions Co., International Food Solutions, Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, Conagra Brands, Del Monte Foods, Schwan's Food Service, and Hormel Food Sales. The contract term is one year, starting July 1, 2025, with a potential one-year extension through June 30, 2027. Price increases upon renewal are limited to the Consumer Price Index for Food Away From Home. Sysco is noted as the current distributor, though the RFP includes options for direct delivery to districts. While specific award values were not disclosed, the comprehensive nature of the RFP suggests a significant procurement spanning multiple food categories for school nutrition programs across Oregon.