When is the submission deadline?

Submissions are due August 26, 2026. Questions must be submitted by August 6, 2026.

It was issued by Region 9 Education Cooperative. The work is located in Ruidoso, New Mexico, United States.

Who is a good fit for this opportunity?

Food service providers experienced in institutional or child nutrition programs. Companies capable of preparing and delivering weekday breakfasts, lunches, milk, and snacks. Vendors familiar with Head Start, Early Head Start, or similar government meal-service requirements. Organizations able to serve programs in Ruidoso, New Mexico, throughout the annual contract period.

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Head Start and Early Head Start Meal Services

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Overview

Hospitality, Food Service & Travel

Ruidoso, New Mexico, United StatesPosted: August 1, 2026Deadline: August 26, 2026

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SUMMARY

A government authority in Ruidoso, New Mexico, seeks a vendor to provide weekday breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon snacks for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The one-year service period is expected to cover August through May or June, depending on the program.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Must provide food/meal services in accordance with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
Must ensure compliance with all federal regulations set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture
Must provide a minimum of three professional reference letters for projects of similar size, scope, and complexity completed within the past 5 years
Must provide all licensing/certifications required by federal and state law, including a current Food Permit from the Environmental Department
Must be a registered business in the State of New Mexico with a CRS number
Must provide background checks for all persons providing on-site services within New Mexico schools
Must have a valid email address for procurement communication
Must comply with the Workers' Compensation Act
Must maintain comprehensive general and/or professional liability insurance

CONTRACT DURATION

48 months

TIMELINE

Issue RFP: July 28th, 2026

Distribution List/Deadline to Submit Questions: August 6th, 2026

Response to Written Questions: August 12th, 2026

Submission of Proposal: August 26th, 2026

Proposal Evaluation/Selection of Finalists/Oral Presentations/Finalize Agreements: August 27th, 2026 - August 31st, 2026

Contract Awards: September 1st, 2026

Protest Deadline: 15 days after award

QUESTION DEADLINE

August 6, 2026

CONTACTS

Primary procurement contact — name, title, email, and phone

Additional decision-makers and their departments

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Issuing Agency

Region 9 Education Cooperative

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DESCRIPTION

The government authority in Ruidoso, New Mexico, is seeking a vendor to provide meal services for its Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Required services include breakfast with milk, lunch with milk, and an afternoon snack.

Meal services are anticipated to be provided five days per week. Services are expected to run from August through May for Head Start and from August through June for Early Head Start. The contract period will be one year.

All questions must be submitted by August 6, 2026, and proposals are due by August 26, 2026.

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Frequently asked questions

When is the submission deadline?: Submissions are due August 26, 2026. Questions must be submitted by August 6, 2026.
Who issued this RFP?: It was issued by Region 9 Education Cooperative. The work is located in Ruidoso, New Mexico, United States.
Who is a good fit for this opportunity?: Food service providers experienced in institutional or child nutrition programs
Companies capable of preparing and delivering weekday breakfasts, lunches, milk, and snacks
Vendors familiar with Head Start, Early Head Start, or similar government meal-service requirements
Organizations able to serve programs in Ruidoso, New Mexico, throughout the annual contract period

Analysis generated by Settle AI from the source RFP.

RFP Hunter shows what is open. Settle shows what is forming.

Settle pieces together buyer signals, budgets, contract activity, and the sources your team already monitors. See why an opportunity fits and what to do before the RFP posts.

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Head Start and Early Head Start Meal Services (Due August 26, 2026) | Settle RFP Hunter