The Regional Education Service Center (RESC) Alliance Food Trust: Milk

Background

The Regional Education Service Center (RESC) Alliance Food Trust (RAFT) is a public purchasing consortium that serves various school districts in Connecticut. The Capitol Region Education Council acts as the administrative agent for RAFT. The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit proposals for Milk Products to be supplied to member school districts, with the successful vendor contracting directly with each district.

Work Details

The selected vendor will provide milk products that meet USDA nutritional requirements for various programs including National School Breakfast, Lunch, After School Snack, and others. Vendors must submit nutritional analysis, CN labels, and signed product formulation statements at the time of bid opening and with every order throughout the year. Compliance with the Buy American provision is required, meaning that domestic agricultural commodities must be prioritized. A HACCP-based Food Safety Program must be maintained by the vendor, ensuring all deliveries are made in sanitary conditions and compliant with health standards set by relevant authorities. Deliveries must include accurate invoices and comply with all applicable laws. Products must be inspected upon delivery; any non-compliance may result in rejection or cancellation of the contract.

Period of Performance

The contract period is anticipated to begin on August 1, 2026, and end on July 30, 2027.

Place of Performance

Deliveries will be made to various member school districts within Connecticut as specified in individual contracts.

Bidder Requirements

Bidders must complete a letter of transmittal accepting all terms in the RFP, submit a vendor questionnaire form and reference sheet, provide pricing for all milk products, and include several appendix documents such as a Non-Collusive Bid Statement and Certifications regarding Debarment and Lobbying. Vendors are required to maintain appropriate insurance coverage as specified by CREC.