Charter School Institute Vended Meals - HPA

Background
The Colorado Charter School Institute, acting as the Sponsor for High Point Academy, is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for vended meals as part of its participation in the USDA's Child Nutrition Programs. The goal of this contract is to provide nutritious meals to students while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations regarding food service. The Colorado Department of Education oversees these programs but does not participate in the contracts between the Sponsor and Vendors.

Work Details
The Vendor will be responsible for providing vended meals that meet USDA and Colorado meal pattern requirements. This includes delivering and/or serving meals on specified days and times, offering free, reduced-price, and full-price reimbursable meals to eligible children, and promoting maximum participation in the programs.

The Vendor must also comply with nutrition standards for any food sold on campus outside of reimbursable meals. Additionally, the Vendor will maintain records necessary for reimbursement claims and cooperate with the Sponsor in promoting nutrition education. All food products must be of domestic origin under the Buy American provision.

Period of Performance
The contract will be effective from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with potential renewals for up to four additional one-year terms upon mutual agreement.

Place of Performance
Services will be performed at High Point Academy and potentially other locations specified by the Sponsor within Colorado.

Bidder Requirements
Vendors must be incorporated or licensed to do business in Colorado and registered with the Colorado Department of Education Office of School Nutrition. They are required to submit a complete proposal including certifications, financial statements from the past fiscal year, and references from similar school systems.

Vendors must also obtain bid or performance bonds if the contract value exceeds $350,000.