Overview
A vended meals agreement is established when a school contracts with a private company (also referred to as a vendor) for the purpose of providing meals. The vendor is not involved in any aspect of managing Child Nutrition Programs. This type of agreement must be competitively procured.
Base Year
Step 1: Draft a Solicitation Document
Step 2: Solicit Bids or Offers
List of Known Vended Meal Companies
Step 3: Evaluate, Award, and Maintain Records
Informal Small Purchase (3 Bids and a Buy) Award Criteria:
- Responsive
- Responsible
- Lowest Bid
For additional information, including Formal Procurement Method award criteria, review the Procurement Methods Comparison Chart.
Step 4: Complete the Signed Agreement
Renewal Year
Resources and Policy Memos
- USDA Foods Handling Charges Accounting Procedures - DPI SNT, 04/2017
- Crediting of USDA Foods Value for FSMC Contracts, Vended Meal Agreements, and Joint Agreements - DPI SNT, 04/2017
- DPI Notice to SFAs Requiring the Use of Template Vended Meals Agreements and Joint Agreements - DPI SNT, 04/25/2011
- Bid and Procurement Requirements Between School Food Authorities - Memo #4, FY93 School Programs Policy, USDA, 10/1993