Cafeteria Consumables for Middletown Public Schools

Middletown Public Schools is seeking qualified vendors to supply cafeteria consumables under solicitation RFPCAFE 2026-04 for a two-year period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement upon 90 days' notice. Proposals must be submitted exclusively through the Bonfire e-Procurement Portal by 11:00 AM EST on May 15, 2026, and all inquiries must be directed in writing via email or the portal’s Q&A system by May 6, 2026. The contract covers the delivery of a wide range of items—including paper goods, food containers, cleaning supplies, and disposable utensils—to 10 designated school sites across Middletown, Connecticut, with all deliveries required to be made inside the facilities. Pricing must exclude state and federal sales taxes due to the school district’s tax-exempt status, and vendors must provide detailed product specifications, including manufacturer, serving size, and pricing, through the Bonfire Bid Table. Award will be determined using a weighted trade-off methodology where price carries the greatest weight at 60%, followed by customer service at 25%, and the use of sustainable, non-polystyrene items at 15%. The solicitation prohibits substitutions without prior approval and requires strict adherence to federal and state regulations, including compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, USDA guidelines, and Connecticut anti-discrimination laws. Vendors must hold a valid Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov, provide certifications regarding debarment, equal employment opportunity, and non-collusion, and name the Middletown Public Schools and the City of Middletown as additional insureds on their liability policies. Subcontracting or assignment of the contract requires written approval, and the school district retains the right to terminate the agreement with 30 days' notice without cause. Deliveries will be inspected and accepted on-site at each school, with final determination of compliance resting with the Food Service Director. Invoices must be submitted monthly by the fifth working day of the following month, accompanied by signed delivery tickets and must reflect correct school routing information. Payment will be made within 30 days of invoice receipt, and the contract is subject to audit of financial records to ensure adherence to 2 CFR Part 200 and other federal compliance requirements.