How to bid on the Child Nutrition System Modernization RFI from NYS Dept. of Education

What the NYS Education Department is buying

The New York State Education Department is looking for information to modernize its child nutrition system. This is a Request for Information (RFI), meaning the agency is gathering details from vendors to help shape a future project. This is an opportunity for businesses to provide input and demonstrate their capabilities in this area.

The work is for the Office of Child Nutrition, located in Albany, New York. Vendors interested in educational and recreational technology or system modernization should review this RFI.

Key dates and deadlines

This RFI was published on July 15, 2026. Vendor inquiries, which are questions you might have about the RFI, are due by July 28, 2026. The final deadline to submit your response to this RFI is August 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. It is important to submit your response before this time.

Refer to the RFI document for the complete procurement schedule and any specific instructions regarding deadlines.

Who this opportunity suits

This RFI is suitable for firms with expertise in system modernization, particularly within the education or child nutrition sectors. Companies that offer software solutions, IT consulting, or system integration services relevant to managing child nutrition programs would find this opportunity relevant. The category for this work is Educational & Recreational.

How to access and respond to the RFI

To access the full solicitation details and documents, you will need to use the NY State Contract Reporter. First, you can find the advertisement by opening the provided link, which will show the ad on the NY State Contract Reporter search page without needing to log in.

To view the full advertisement, all related documents, and any questions and answers, you will need to create a free vendor account on the NY State Contract Reporter. Once you have an account and can access the full ad, follow the specific submission instructions provided within the RFI document. The ad is identified by its CR#.

Tips for preparing a competitive RFI response

When responding to an RFI, focus on providing clear, concise, and relevant information. Since this is an information-gathering stage, highlight your company's experience and capabilities in system modernization and child nutrition programs. Clearly address any specific questions or areas of interest outlined in the RFI.

Ensure your response is well-organized and easy to understand. Pay close attention to the agency's stated needs and demonstrate how your firm's expertise aligns with their goals for modernizing the system. Submitting your vendor inquiries by the deadline of July 28, 2026, can also help you clarify any ambiguities before preparing your final response.