Procurement 101: A Workshop for School Food Authorities

Is your school getting ready for procurement? This webinar will guide School Food Authorities (SFAs) step by step through the process of choosing a meal vendor. You’ll learn how to follow USDA and state rules, understand the difference between Food Service Management Company (FSMC) and vended meal contracts, and build a strong Request for Proposal (RFP) that gets results.

We’ll cover:

• The basics of competitive bidding
• How your kitchen setup affects your options
• Key differences between FSMC and vended contracts
• How to write a compliant RFP or IFB
• Timelines and tips for selecting the right vendor
• Managing your program’s finances and compliance
• Building a strong working relationship with your vendor

By the end, you’ll know how to create a clear procurement plan, choose the best vendor, and set your school up for a successful meal program!