Q. Why did SSoM change its cooperative food purchasing program this year?
A. For years, SSoM operated a fixed price bid, meaning that we would assemble a selection of high-volume, high-quality items and put them out to bid at a fixed price. With the impact of the pandemic, unanticipated product shortages, and resulting inflation, distributors in Montana were unlikely to be able to make a similar commitment going forward. As a result, we revised our food program to actively seek and secure the lowest possible pricing options and the widest array of products for Montana schools.
Q. What advantages does this new SSoM program provide to our district?
A. With this new food bid, we are no longer limited to a set number of high-volume products. Schools will now have access to the entire product catalogue offered by the bid winner. Further, our bid language specifically requests bid pricing with the participation of a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO). By utilizing a GPO, we can increase our purchasing power and keep costs as low as humanly possible.
Q. Who can participate in the SSoM cooperative food bid?
A. Any public or private school or youth serving agency in Montana is eligible to participate. You do not need to be a SSoM member school to participate, and we do not charge any additional fees for participating in this program. To be clear, participation is open to all.
Q. What makes SSoM’s cooperative purchasing program unique?
A. SSoM is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating a statewide cooperative food program.
We are for Montana, not for profit.
- Because we are nonprofit, we will not be beat on price.
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SSoM places tremendous value on our relationships with Food Service Directors across the state, and we pledge to do whatever we can to meet your specific needs.
- As a result, we will not pressure or deceive you about any of your purchasing options – you can order what you want when you need it.
- SSoM is your advocate. Programs like these necessarily require the participation of multiple parties across the state and country to be successful. SSoM will be your advocate to make sure you continue to get the high quality of service and low pricing that you deserve.
Q. Can we participate in the SSoM program at the same time as other cooperative purchasing programs?
A. Yes. Like all similar programs, the SSoM cooperative food bid has minimum purchase requirements set by the distributor to ensure that all Montana schools can access the lowest prices and highest quality items to meet the needs of their nutrition programs. As long as these requirements are met, there is absolutely no restriction whatsoever, either in our RFP or contract, that would prohibit you from taking advantage of other cooperative purchasing opportunities.
Q. This sounds great – how do we get started?
A. The process could not be easier. Simply return your completed Opt-In Form to SSoM, and we will notify you once the dates have been confirmed for the training webinar (a recording will also be available). This program begins with the start of the new school year on July 1, 2022 and is sure to meet your school’s nutrition program needs.
Q. We have a few more questions – can we contact you to discuss?
A. Yes, please contact SSoM Purchasing Manager, Jennifer Brekke, at (406) 580-7547 or jbrekke@mt-schools.org. You are also welcome to reach out to SSoM Executive Director, Tom Franta, at (612) 360-7930 or tfranta@mt-schools.org.
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