Shelf Stable Meals

RFP 39300-261 is a procurement jointly issued by Wicomico County Public Schools (WCPS) and Worcester County Public Schools in Maryland for the provision of USDA-compliant, shelf-stable meal kits designed to serve eligible students during summer break. The solicitation seeks qualified vendors capable of delivering comprehensive meal services including menu planning, meal production, packaging, enrollment management, delivery, tracking, reporting, and customer support. For Wicomico County, vendors must price 100 units each of 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day meal boxes (lunch and supper) for 12 weeks of delivery, while for Worcester County, pricing must cover 225 units each of 5-day and 7-day meal boxes (breakfast and lunch) for the same 12-week delivery period. All meals must comply with 7 CFR Parts 210 and 225 requirements and include vegetarian options. Sealed proposals are due by March 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST via the Euna/Bonfire Procurement Portal, with no pre-proposal conference or site visit required. Award determination will be made on a best-value basis using weighted evaluation criteria consisting of cost and pricing (40 percent), meal quality, variety, and packaging (20 percent), references regarding delivery reliability and success rate (15 percent), tracking, reporting, and audit support (15 percent), and program flexibility, data security, and communication (10 percent). Required submissions include a Certificate of Insurance (ACORD form), Certificate of Good Standing from the State of Maryland, three references with similar scope of work, sample menus with shelf-life documentation, USDA meal pattern compliance documentation, and a detailed delivery schedule.

There are no specific set-aside designations restricting participation in this procurement; however, Certified Minority Business Enterprises are encouraged to respond, though an MBE Plan is not required. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation documents. The initial contract period begins upon award and continues through December 31, 2027, with options for up to three additional one-year renewals, allowing for potential contract duration extending to December 31, 2030. Pricing must include all delivery costs and be submitted separately from the technical proposal. While specific budget ranges or award values are not detailed in the available documentation, vendors should note that this agreement may be made available for cooperative purchasing use by other public agencies under the same terms, conditions, and pricing, subject to the awarded vendor's consent and each entity's separate contractual obligations. Proposers are prohibited from withdrawing their submissions within 90 days of the RFP opening date, and the districts reserve the right to extend the deadline via addendum, reject any or all submissions, and contact proposers for clarifications or corrections.