St. Croix Preparatory Academy Request for Proposals for Prime Vendor - School Food Services 2026
St. Croix Preparatory Academy LowerSchool · Stillwater, MN- Due
- Apr 29, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Mar 25, 2026
- Contract term
- 1 year
- Primary contact
- Marianne Thole
- (651) 395-5900
The 30-second brief
St. Croix Preparatory Academy in Stillwater, MN is seeking proposals for a prime vendor to provide commercial food products and related services for federally funded child nutrition programs, including NSLP, SBP, SFSP, and CACFP. The contract covers school year 2026-2027, beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, with options to renew for up to four additional 1-year periods. Estimated annual purchases are $250,000.00 with approximately 6,000 commercial cases purchased annually. Products required include commercial grocery items, USDA donated foods processing (Direct Diversion, NOI, FFS), while excluding milk, bread, produce, specialty items, and chemicals. The pricing method required is Cost plus Fixed Fee. Proposals are due by April 29, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Evaluation criteria include price (market basket), product line completeness, distributor experience, computer capabilities (operational reports, nutritional analysis, MN Dept of Education data uploads), customer service, USDA regulatory support, foodservice consulting, direct diversion capabilities, operational plans, and ancillary services.
Price (Market Basket) 50, Completeness of product line / volume of special orders 10, Distributor experience & qualifications / Past performance with School/ Distributor references/reputation 10, Computer capabilities including operational reports, nutritional analysis, and uploading of purchase data to MN Dept of Education 30, Customer Service & USDA Regulatory support 25, Foodservice Consultant Trained in School requirements 20, Direct Diversion Capabilities & Programs 20, Operational plan & procedures 5, Ability to meet service characteristics described by School 10, Degree of ancillary services that impact School needs 20
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Summary
St.
Croix Preparatory Academy in Stillwater, MN is seeking proposals for a prime vendor to provide commercial food products and related services for federally funded child nutrition programs, including NSLP, SBP, SFSP, and CACFP. The contract covers school year 2026-2027, beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, with options to renew for up to four additional 1-year periods. Estimated annual purchases are $250,000.00 with approximately 6,000 commercial cases purchased annually. Products required include commercial grocery items, USDA donated foods processing (Direct Diversion, NOI, FFS), while excluding milk, bread, produce, specialty items, and chemicals. The pricing method required is Cost plus Fixed Fee. Proposals are due by April 29, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Evaluation criteria include price (market basket), product line completeness, distributor experience, computer capabilities (operational reports, nutritional analysis, MN Dept of Education data uploads), customer service, USDA regulatory support, foodservice consulting, direct diversion capabilities, operational plans, and ancillary services.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Price (Market Basket) 50, Completeness of product line / volume of special orders 10, Distributor experience & qualifications / Past performance with School/ Distributor references/reputation 10, Computer capabilities including operational reports, nutritional analysis, and uploading of purchase data to MN Dept of Education 30, Customer Service & USDA Regulatory support 25, Foodservice Consultant Trained in School requirements 20, Direct Diversion Capabilities & Programs 20, Operational plan & procedures 5, Ability to meet service characteristics described by School 10, Degree of ancillary services that impact School needs 20
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
7- Checklist of Requirements for Proposal
- Instructions to Distributor for Completing Product List
- Product List
- Cover sheet School Food Service Prime Vendor Proposal
- Commodity delivery proposal
- List of Current Prime Vendor Schools in Minnesota
- Login and Password for order entry system for evaluation
- Submit to
- 4260 Stagecoach Trail N, Stillwater, MN 55082
- Duration
- 12 months
- Scope location
- Stillwater, MN
- Reported agency
- St. Croix Preparatory Academy
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is April 29, 2026. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: 4260 Stagecoach Trail N, Stillwater, MN 55082. For questions, contact Marianne Thole.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower in MN, 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 Marianne Thole at (651) 395-5900. 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: "Price (Market Basket) 50, Completeness of product line / volume of special orders 10, Distributor experience & qualifications / Past performance with School/ Distributor references/reputation 10, Comp..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower?
All active and historical solicitations from St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower are tracked and searchable. As a school agency, St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower 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 1 year. Contract terms may include renewal options.
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: Checklist of Requirements for Proposal, Instructions to Distributor for Completing Product List, Product List, Cover sheet School Food Service Prime Vendor Proposal, Commodity delivery proposal, List. Review the full document from St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Stillwater, MN. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.