Commodity Processing-Cheese Sauce

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit competitive sealed proposals from qualified suppliers for the processing of USDA Commodity-Cheese Sauce for the Utah Cooperative for Acquiring Resources Efficiently (UCARE) organization. It is anticipated that this RFP may result in a contract award to a single or multiple suppliers for such items and services, as defined further in the Proposal Requirements.

UCARE is currently a group of 23 school districts in the State of Utah. The Canyons School District (CSD) Purchasing Department is acting as the managing agency for UCARE’s food contracts. Qualifications, submittals, and subsequent proposals will be received by CSD on behalf of UCARE.

The supplier must propose products that are equal to or better than the products listed under each item on the Price Schedule. The supplier must provide SEPDS sheets, CN labeling, and/or product specification sheets for all products being quoted.

Estimated Usage

The estimated usage for the fiscal year’s diverted pounds from July 1, 2027, to June 30, 2028, is expected to be about 1,691 pounds. (Based on school year 2025-2026 usage) This is not a guaranteed amount, just an estimate. The Cheese Sauce-Commodity Code is 110242

Usage or Velocity Reports

Vendors are required to submit a monthly product velocity report to UCARE, attention Michelle McCombs, at the end of each month, and a yearly report at the end of each school year. This usage report is to include item description, total units purchased per item, and total cost per item.

Brand

The brand or trade name, manufacturer’s name, identification number, and CN label must be given on each case of merchandise sold to each school district. Products must have an equivalent item available for purchase through the UCARE distributor.

Grade

The grade must be specified for each product as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Proposal items will be disqualified that do not meet or exceed all specifications listed in the proposal. If a product is processed and it is later established that said product fails to comply with these specifications the item will be rejected and returned to the Supplier at the Supplier’s expense. Also, no furnished goods shall be older than last season’s pack.

Contract Period

This agreement shall commence on the effective date of the contract after RFP award and continue for one (1) year. Each bid must include an option whereby UCARE, at its sole discretion, can extend the contract annually for up to four (4) additional years with the same terms, prices, and conditions set forth in this document and/or as negotiated between the successful supplier(s) and the procurement officer.

Contract Pricing

The contract will be a Firm Fixed Price Contract. All prices quoted must be firm for the contract year July 1 to June 30.

Pricing

The Price Schedule (attached as schedule F) must be completed in its entirety. Prices must not include tax. All prices should be rounded to the nearest cent.

Product Samples

Samples must be furnished without cost to UCARE within a reasonable time after the proposal. Failure to furnish samples may disqualify the proposal. These samples will be due January 6, 2027 no later than 3:00pm (MTN)

Evaluation

• 5 Points: Executive Summary (Schedule B)
• 10 Points: Qualifications/Experience (Schedule C)
• 10 Points: Detailed Response, should include any Federal required documentation (Schedule D)
• 5 Points: References (Schedule E)
• 40 Points: Price Proposal (Schedule F)
• 30 Points: Product Samples, if required – Taste (10), Texture (10), Appearance (10)