Locally Grown Fresh Food Products for DCS Facilities - UPDATED

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
REISSUE : January 15, 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:

Any event, time, or date containing revised or new text is highlighted.

EVENT TIME
(Central Time
Zone) DATE
(all dates are State
business days)
1. RFI Issued
January 15, 2026
2. RFI Response Deadline 2:00 p.m. February 4 , 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.

5.4. In the form of one (1) digital document in “PDF” format , a Respondent must submit response to
this RFI .

One (1) original Technical Response paper document labeled:

“RFI # 35910 -14918 RESPONSE ”

11-20-13 RFI

6. INFORMATIONAL FORMS:

The State is requesting the following information from all interested parties. Please use the form
below when preparing your respo nse to this 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