Single Source Procurement: SSBG Federal Assistance Funds and TANF Funds for the 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 NYS Department of Health is requesting a single source procurement to award a total of $4,500,000 in Federal Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) funds to 46 current Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) contractors for food expenses.

The NYS Emergency Food Relief Organization (EFRO) network - approximately 2,500 primarily volunteer operated food banks, soup kitchens and food pantries - provides approximately 125 million meals per year to low income people across the state. One hundred percent of the funding added to these contracts will be used to purchase food, fresh produce and low-fat milk and dairy products. Providing this additional food to the EFRO network will greatly enhance the quantity and the quality of foods available to New York State's high risk, health compromised population. Overall, the number of emergency meals reported for 2013 is approximately 13 percent more than the same time last year. The heightened demand for emergency food, coupled with the recent reduction in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits provided to low-income individuals, finds emergency food providers struggling to maintain an adequate supply of emergency food. HPNAP resources, along with other government, corporate, and private support, make the EFRO network one of the most cost-effective public/private partnerships in the state. By supporting this volunteer EFRO network, significant cost benefits are achieved: for the cost of a single meal obtained through commercial markets, HPNAP-supported EFROs provide almost three meals. Further, strategies have been developed to increase the proportion of nutritious foods and to ensure that meals provided through the network are targeted toward healthy development and combating nutrition related chronic diseases.

These funds will be allocated among 46 HPNAP contractors which were awarded via a competitive Request for Applications procurement that considered need for services, ability to provide services, and cost efficiency. This request will cover the remainder of the current HPNAP contract year: December 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. These seven month contracts will use similar terms, conditions, and pricing authorized under the existing HPNAP contracts. Subsequent funding has not been identified, so no competitive procurement is planned.

Procurement / Program Name Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP)
Contractor Name(s) Please see attached list.
Contract Period 12/1/2013 - 6/30/2014
Contract Number Please see attached list.