Single Source Procurement: Food Banks – Superstorm Sandy Social Services Block Grants

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 NYS Department of Health has forty-seven HPNAP (Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program) contracts with not-for-profit organizations to operate food banks, pantries and/or soup kitchens providing food to the homeless, to food stamp recipients whose benefits are insufficient to meet their basic nutritional needs, and to other needy populations who cannot feed themselves or their families. HPNAP contractors are active participants in the NYS Emergency Food Relief Organization (EFRO) network.

This request is intended to reimburse food banks, food pantries and related organizations and public agencies for costs resulting from increased demand for food relief during and following Superstorm Sandy. Thirty-one existing HPNAP contractors serve Sandy-impacted areas in the downstate region. Extraordinary food expenses attributable to serving populations impacted by Hurricane Sandy were identified in the state plan for funds from the Social Services Block Grant. These funds were intended to reimburse these downstate food banks, pantries and/or soup kitchens without having to engage in the competitive process.

Letters were sent to all thirty-one downstate HPNAP contractors on August 5, 2013 explaining funds were available for specific food related expenses through a non-competitive process as outlined in the SSBG Superstorm Sandy Supplemental State Plan (SSBG State Plan) dated June 30, 2013. Of the thirty-one contractors that received notification letters, multiple organizations submitted supporting documentation to the Department of Health to qualify for the non-competitive funds. The materials provided by the organizations were reviewed and deemed eligible.

Procurement / Program Name Food Banks – Superstorm Sandy Social Services Block Grants
Contractor Name(s) New York Common Pantry
St John's Bread and Life Program
Food Bank for Westchester
Bed-Stuy Campaign Against Hunger
Contract Period 09/01/2013 – 09/30/2015
Contract Number(s) C029236, C029237, C029239, C029241