Single Source Procurement: WIC Local Agency (LA) and Vendor Management Agency (VMA)

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 New York State Department of Health WIC Local Agency (LA) and Vendor Management Agency (VMA) Program has made a determination to issue a Single Source Procurement to 91 to support ongoing currently funded projects.

The New York State Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) ensures the health and well-being of income eligible families with young children. WIC Local Agencies (LAs) provide individually tailored food prescriptions to approximately 370,000 women, infants and children each for specific types and brands of foods that meet strict nutrition requirements. LAs also provide breastfeeding support, nutrition counseling, health education, health care referrals, and referrals to other services. WIC Vendor Management Agencies (VMAs) solicit and review vendor applications to participate in the WIC Program, provide training and technical assistance to authorized vendors, and oversee vendor activities ensuring WIC participants can access nutritious foods, as prescribed.

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) Division of Nutrition released a Request for Applications (RFA) for WIC LA and WIC VMA services on 12/7/2021 with an application deadline of 2/3/2022. During the eligibility review period for this procurement, DOH determined that a strict application of the Minimum Eligibility Requirements would result in all applicants failing the Eligibility Review. DOH, subsequently, withdrew the RFA to revise the eligibility requirements and other key components. These revisions are necessary to ensure fair and open competition, enhance application instructions and refine attachments to eliminate critical errors. Due to the nature of the revisions required, DOH needs additional time to make corrections before releasing a new procurement.

Procurement / Program Name	WIC Local Agency (LA) and Vendor Management Agency (VMA)
Contractor Name(s)	Multiple Contracts-See Attached List
Contract Period	10/1/2022 – 9/30/2023
Contract Number	Multiple Contracts-See Attached List