Warehousing & Distribution of USDA Foods for MDE

THIS IS A FORMAL EVENT/REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP). Non-electronic and email responses WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. The response must be submitted through the SWIFT Supplier Portal no later than the date and time called for in the Event. PURPOSE. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), Nutrition Program Services (NPS), is soliciting proposals from qualified Contractors to provide warehousing, inventory management, and distribution services for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Donated Foods under the National School Lunch Program and other USDA nutrition programs for eligible recipient agencies throughout the State of Minnesota. Responders are strongly encouraged to review Exhibit C: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work in the Sample Contract to see a detailed description of the solicitation scope and required deliverables. CONTRACT TERM: The anticipated initial contract term is January, 2027, through June, 2028, with the option to extend the contract for up to an additional 48 months in increments determined by the State. The period beginning January, 2027, is intended to allow for contract execution, implementation, setup, and logistical planning in advance of the commencement of services. Any Contract(s) awarded through this solicitation will become effective for the 2027-2028 school year. The existing contracts for warehousing, inventory management, and distribution services for USDA Donated Foods, including existing arrangements for USDA Direct Delivery services, will remain in effect through the 2026-2027 school year in accordance with their existing terms and conditions. The award of a Contract(s) under this RFP does not alter or terminate existing contracts during the 2026-2027 school year. Accordingly, services under the Contract(s) resulting from this RFP are not intended to commence until the 2027-2028 school year. Contractor(s) awarded under this solicitation shall be responsible for providing the required services beginning with the 2027-202 [Partial description. For the full description, log into the Supplier Portal .] Event ID/Reference Number: 2000018877 If an Event ID/Reference number appears, this Solicitation Event is being conducted in the SWIFT system. All project documentation and vendor submissions should be completed at the State of Minnesota Supplier portal. Log in to the Supplier Portal to view this event. You will need to search for Event ID/Reference Number in the portal. If the Event ID/Reference Number shows “Unknown”, then the full description can be found for this event in the State of Minnesota list of solicitations (select the appropriate page): Goods and Services Solicitation Postings or Professional and Technical Solicitation Postings . You may locate it using the Ref. # that appears above.