Single Source Procurement: Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program

Pursuant to New York State Finance Law § 163.10(b), The New York State Department of Health is presenting the following summary of relevant circumstances, and material and substantial reasons why a competitive procurement was not feasible.

The Division of Nutrition (DON) is requesting a single source waiver from competitive bidding requirements to allow an additional $1,829,148 to be awarded to eight existing regional food bank Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) contractors for the period 7/1/2014 – 6/30/2016. These contractors were competitively procured.

The eight HPNAP regional food bank contractors have the willingness, capacity and experience to handle large increases in funding and produce cost effective services in a timely manner. These organizations have received previous funding increases and have demonstrated a proficiency in providing additional and cost effective services in an expeditious manner. As a result of years of experience, community partnerships and HPNAP technical assistance, these contractors maintain service delivery systems that can expand when additional funds become available. Their willingness and capacity to expand services with additional funds is truly unique when compared to other Emergency Food Programs (EFP) that lack the necessary infrastructure and expertise.

The most efficient, equitable way to achieve statewide distribution of these funds is to rely on the infrastructure provided by the food bank organizations. These food banks are uniquely qualified for several reasons:

  • They provide the most efficient, cost-effective way to assist the statewide EFP network of 2,400 soup kitchens and food pantries. Other HPNAP contractors receive shipments of food and supplies from the regional food banks and benefit from this additional funding.
  • They have ample warehouse and distribution capacity to purchase and distribute large quantities of produce in a short period of time within existing infrastructures.
  • They have the ability to readily accept one-time funding increases without making changes to existing organizational structures.

Contractors were awarded contracts as a result of the competitive procurement process. These contract amendments will follow the same terms, conditions, and pricing authorized under the existing contracts.

Procurement / Program Name Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program
Contractor Name(s) Multiple – please see attached
Contract Period 7/1/2014 – 6/30/2016
Contract Number(s) Multiple – please see attached