Connecticut State Department of Education - National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grants - RFP #972 (2026)
Connecticut State Department of Education | State of ConnecticutState · Hartford, CT- Due
- Nov 13, 2026
- 10 days left
- Posted
- Oct 16, 2026
- Contract term
- 2 years
- Primary contact
- Sean Fogarty
- (860) 807-2055
The 30-second brief
The Connecticut State Department of Education is issuing Request for Proposal (RFP) #972 for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grants, funded via Public Law 119-4 and Public Law 119-37. Eligible school food authorities (SFAs), local education agencies (LEAs), and schools can apply for subgrants ranging from over $1,000 up to $15,000 per SFA to purchase food service equipment valued greater than $1,000. Total available funding is $208,888. The objective is to modernize school kitchens, support scratch cooking capacity, improve food safety (cold/hot holding equipment, blast chillers, refrigeration, freezers), expand NSLP and School Breakfast Program (SBP) participation, increase energy efficiency (e.g., walk-in freezers), and serve healthier meals with local and fresh fruits and vegetables. Proposals must include written quotes for equipment and installation costs, an estimated timeline, proposed budget, and a signed Statement of Assurances. Applications are due by November 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time and must be submitted via email to Sean Fogarty. The grant performance period runs from October 16, 2026, through September 30, 2028, with full obligation required by January 5, 2028.
Purchase equipment to serve healthier meals, improve food safety, and support establishment/maintenance/expansion of NSLP and SBP; projects supporting healthier meal preparation and service including scratch cooking capacity, fresh fruits and vegetables, meal presentation, and local/unprocessed foods; opportunities to realize meaningful impact on nutrition and quality; age of food service equipment to be replaced or lack of appropriate items; ability to increase efficiency of cafeteria operations; assurance to meet timeline; budget support and cost-effectiveness
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Summary
The Connecticut State Department of Education is issuing Request for Proposal (RFP) #972 for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grants, funded via Public Law 119-4 and Public Law 119-37.
Eligible school food authorities (SFAs), local education agencies (LEAs), and schools can apply for subgrants ranging from over $1,000 up to $15,000 per SFA to purchase food service equipment valued greater than $1,000. Total available funding is $208,888. The objective is to modernize school kitchens, support scratch cooking capacity, improve food safety (cold/hot holding equipment, blast chillers, refrigeration, freezers), expand NSLP and School Breakfast Program (SBP) participation, increase energy efficiency (e.g., walk-in freezers), and serve healthier meals with local and fresh fruits and vegetables. Proposals must include written quotes for equipment and installation costs, an estimated timeline, proposed budget, and a signed Statement of Assurances. Applications are due by November 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time and must be submitted via email to Sean Fogarty. The grant performance period runs from October 16, 2026, through September 30, 2028, with full obligation required by January 5, 2028.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
7- Purchase equipment to serve healthier meals, improve food safety, and support establishment/maintenance/expansion of NSLP and SBP
- Projects supporting healthier meal preparation and service including scratch cooking capacity, fresh fruits and vegetables, meal presentation, and local/unprocessed foods
- Opportunities to realize meaningful impact on nutrition and quality
- Age of food service equipment to be replaced or lack of appropriate items
- Ability to increase efficiency of cafeteria operations
- Assurance to meet timeline
- Budget support and cost-effectiveness
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
5- Pages 7-10 with signature(s)
- Proposal explaining equipment and need
- Written quote(s) for proposed equipment and services
- Proposed budget and budget narrative
- Signed Statement of Assurances
- Submit to
- [email protected]
- Duration
- 24 months
- Scope location
- Hartford, CT
- Reported agency
- Connecticut State Department of Education
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from Connecticut State Department of Education | State of Connecticut?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is November 13, 2026. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: [email protected]. For questions, contact Sean Fogarty.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Connecticut State Department of Education | State of Connecticut in CT, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Sean Fogarty at (860) 807-2055. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Purchase equipment to serve healthier meals, improve food safety, and support establishment/maintenance/expansion of NSLP and SBP; projects supporting healthier meal preparation and service including..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Connecticut State Department of Education | State of Connecticut?
All active and historical solicitations from Connecticut State Department of Education | State of Connecticut are tracked and searchable. As a state agency, Connecticut State Department of Education | State of Connecticut regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What is the contract term for this solicitation?
The anticipated contract term is 2 years. Contract terms may include renewal options.
Is this solicitation still open for submissions?
Based on the posted deadline of November 13, 2026, this solicitation appears to still be accepting submissions. Deadlines may change through amendments or addenda, so always verify the current status directly with the issuing agency before preparing your response.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: pages 7-10 with signature(s), proposal explaining equipment and need, written quote(s) for proposed equipment and services, proposed budget and budget narrative, signed Statement of Assurances. Review the full document from Connecticut State Department of Education | State of Connecticut for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Hartford, CT. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.