Locally Grown Fresh Food Products for DCS Facilities

Agency:	State Government of Tennessee
State:	Tennessee
Type of Government:	State & Local
NAICS Category:	311999 - All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing 722310 - Food Service Contractors
Posted Date:	Jan 8, 2026
Due Date:	Jan 16, 2026
Solicitation No:	RFI 35910-14918
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11-20-13 RFI

STATE OF TENNESSEE

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

FOR

LOCALLY GROWN FRESH FOOD PRODUCTS

FOR DCS FACILITIES

RFI # 35910-14918

January 7, 2026

1. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

The State of Tennessee, Department of Children's Services (DCS) is seeking information from

qualified vendors, particularly Department of Agriculture Pick TN providers, who can supply

locally grown fresh food products including beef, produce, and shelf-stable items to various DCS

facilities across the state.

Information received through this RFI will assist DCS in assessing market conditions, supplier

capabilities, and potential procurement strategies. This RFI does not constitute a solicitation,

does not obligate the State to issue a future solicitation, and will not result in the award of a

contract.

2. BACKGROUND:

The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services operates facilities throughout the state that

provide care and services to children and youth. As part of its commitment to nutrition, food

quality, and support of Tennessee agriculture, DCS is exploring opportunities to source locally

grown fresh food products for use in its facilities.

DCS is particularly interested in understanding the market capabilities of Tennessee-based

producers and distributors, including participants in the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s

Pick TN Products program. Information gathered through this RFI will be used to evaluate product

availability, geographic coverage, delivery capabilities, certifications, and potential procurement

models.

3. COMMUNICATIONS:

3.1. Please submit your response to this RFI to:

Will Harmon, Sourcing Account Specialist

Will.Harmon@tn.gov

11-20-13 RFI

3.2. Please feel free to contact the Department of Children's Services (DCS) with any questions

regarding this RFI. The main point of contact will be:

Danielle Joseph, Procurement Officer

Department of Children's Services

UBS Tower 12th Floor

315 Deaderick St. Nashville, TN, 37243

Danielle.Joseph@tn.gov

615-360-4328

3.3. Please reference RFI # 35910-14918 with all communications to this RFI.

4. RFI SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

EVENT

1. RFI Issued

2. RFI Response Deadline

TIME

DATE

(Central Time (all dates are State

Zone)

business days)

January 7, 2026

2:00 p.m. January 16, 2026

5. GENERAL INFORMATION:

5.1. Please note that responding to this RFI is not a prerequisite for responding to any future

solicitations related to this project and a response to this RFI will not create any contract

rights. Responses to this RFI will become property of the State.

5.2. The information gathered during this RFI is part of an ongoing procurement. In order to

prevent an unfair advantage among potential respondents, the RFI responses will not be

available until after the completion of evaluation of any responses, proposals, or bids

resulting from a Request for Qualifications, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Bid or other

procurement methods. In the event that the state chooses not to go further in the

procurement process and responses are never evaluated, the responses to the

procurement, including the responses to the RFI, will be considered confidential by the

State.

5.3. The State will not pay for any costs associated with responding to this RFI.

6. INFORMATIONAL FORMS:

The State is requesting the following information from all interested parties. Please fill out the

following forms:

11-20-13 RFI

RFI # 35910-14918

TECHNICAL INFORMATIONAL FORM

1. RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY NAME:

2. RESPONDENT CONTACT PERSON:

Name, Title:

Address:

Phone Number:

Email:

3. SOMERVILLE FACILITY

a. Are you regionally situated to provide locally grown fresh food products to the DCS

facility in Somerville, Tennessee? If yes, what products can you provide?

b. Please list seasonal availability by month, estimated weekly quantities, and

standard packaging sizes.

4. GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE

a. In which county or counties in Tennessee is your growing operation located?

b. In which county or counties is your distribution facility located?

c. Are you able to supply products to other DCS facilities statewide? If so, please

identify the counties served.

5. BEEF PRODUCTS

a. Identify all beef products offered, including lean-to-fat ratios for ground beef. List of

USDA grades available.

b. Identify seasonal availability by month and estimated weekly quantities.

c. Describe standard packaging sizes.

6. FRESH PRODUCE

a. Identify fresh produce items offered.

b. Indicate whether products are grown locally or regionally.

c. Provide seasonal availability, estimated weekly quantities, and packaging sizes.

d. Describe any pre-washed, pre-cut, or ready-to-serve options.

e. Explain handling and storage practices used to maintain freshness.

7. SHELF-STABLE PRODUCTS

a. Identify any shelf-stable locally grown food products offered.

11-20-13 RFI

b. Provide shelf life, packaging details, shipping options, and pricing methodology for

shipping.

c. Identify seasonal availability and weekly quantities.

8. DELIVERY CAPABILITIES (OPTIONAL)

a. Although delivery is not required, please indicate whether delivery is offered.

b. If delivery is available, describe mileage radius, delivery fees, tracking, and

confirmation processes

9. CERTIFICATIONS AND AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

a. Identify USDA or third-party certifications held.

b. Confirm participation in the Pick TN Products program, if applicable.

c. Indicate availability of organic, hormone-free, or antibiotic-free products.

d. Describe Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) followed.

e. Identify insurance coverage held and attach relevant certifications, if available

10. GENERAL VENDOR INFORMATION

a. Company history and years of experience supplying fresh food products.

b. Geographic areas currently served.

c. Experience with public-sector or government contracts.

d. Product categories supplied and ability to support multiple categories.

e. Minimum order quantities and delivery frequency options.

f. Food safety, quality control, recall, and temperature-control procedures.

g. Lead times, emergency order capabilities, and delivery scheduling practices.

h. Packaging, labeling, and handling standards.

i. Typical pricing models and approaches to managing market price fluctuations.

j. Ability to support multiple facilities under a single contract, if applicable.

k. Registration in SAM.gov or possession of a DUNS/UEI number.

COST INFORMATIONAL FORM

1. Describe what pricing units you typically utilize for similar services or goods (e.g., per hour, each,

etc.

2. Describe the typical price range for similar services or goods

11-20-13 RFI

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

1. Please provide input on alternative approaches or additional things to consider that might benefit

the State

This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.

Document ID & Hyperlink:	RFI 35910-14918
Event Start - Response Due:	01/07/2026 01/16/2026
Event Name:	Locally Grown Fresh Food Products for DCS Facilities
Last Updated:

Locally Grown Fresh Food Products for DCS Facilities

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