Food Products and Distribution for School Food Authorities with Related Supplies and Services

Sourcewell, a Minnesota local government unit and service cooperative, is soliciting proposals under RFP 120326 to establish one or more master agreements for food products, distribution, and related supplies and services for eligible Child Nutrition Program operators and School Food Authorities across the United States. The scope of work encompasses broadline food distribution including dry, refrigerated, and frozen grocery, beverages, dairy, meat, poultry, and fresh produce, as well as related supplies such as paper products, janitorial chemicals, and kitchen equipment. Required services include online and mobile ordering, EDI/API integration, and the provision of critical compliance documentation such as Buy American certifications, CN labels, and Product Formulation Statements. The resulting agreements will have an initial one-year term with the possibility of four additional one-year extensions, with an estimated total annual transaction value of 400 million dollars. Proposals must be submitted exclusively through the Sourcewell Procurement Portal by December 3, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Central Time. Awards will be based on a 1000-point scoring system evaluating overall quality, price, and selection, with a specific focus on the proposer's ability to maintain a comprehensive sales and service network. Pricing must be submitted via a Market Basket spreadsheet of 600 goods using a required Fee-Per-Case model or an optional Catalog or Category Discount model. Strict regulatory compliance is required, specifically regarding the Buy American Provision, which mandates that domestic products consist of at least 51 percent U.S. agricultural commodities. The contract also enforces phased non-domestic purchase caps, starting at 10 percent by July 1, 2025, and decreasing to 5 percent by July 1, 2031. Additionally, all proposers must adhere to non-discrimination standards under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and certify that only allowable costs are submitted for payment.