Glossary

An institution receiving government funding to support its food service operations.

A type of formal solicitation that allows for consideration of evaluation metrics beyond lowest cost.

Stand-alone purchases by an institution from a values-based vendor that enable institutions to make values-based purchases without having to make long-term commitments.

Also called a "simplified acquisition," small purchases require less formality than a formal solicitation, but more than a micro-purchase. Under federal law, small purchases are those between $10,000 and $250,000, and they require institutions to acquire bids from multiple qualified sources, but they allow for consideration of cost and other factors.

Product standards and vendor eligibility requirements included in a solicitation, such as a request for proposals or an invitation for bids.

A recurring purchase by an institution from a values-based vendor, typically of a set dollar amount of product quantity, made on a specified time interval.

The large-scale food distributors (broadline distributors), aggregators, and producers that have historically dominated institutional sales and markets.

Aligning institutional purchasing with the institution's values.

A vendor that meets an institution's food purchasing guidelines, standards, or values-based preferences and requirements

The process of ensuring that vendors receive certification or approval to sell to the institution.

Refunds or discounts paid to management companies or group purchasing organizations from distributors and other vendors in exchange for securing a certain volume of sales.