1. Formal Procurement 1 Develop menu 2 Develop product list and food descriptions 3 Conduct product research 4 Estimate usage quantities 5 Develop bid documents with instructions 6 Issue bid in at least one newspaper and to potential vendors for 30 days 7 Open bids and award

2. Informal Procurement 1 Develop menu 2 Develop product list and food descriptions 3 Obtain 3 competitive quotes (written or verbal) 4 Award item to vendor with lowest quote 5 Regardless if written or verbal, must maintain written documentation of quotes

3. And…. For CRE review, keep documentation of all procurements on file! Visit our procurement website at school nutrition programs/procurement: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=3060 Free bid-building software is available for school nutrition programs, for more information visit: http://www.interflex.net/. http://www.interflex.net/ – Create specifications – Find products – Maintain vendor list – Publish bids electronically – Analyze bid responses – Award bids – Roll-over contracts