United ISD tables milk procurement RFP after vendor questions; board seeks vendor performance documentation

United ISD trustees voted May 14 to table RFP 030‑2025 (milk products) to give the board more time to review procurement documentation after public comment from a competing vendor.

Oscar Gallardo, speaking during public comment, identified himself as representing DFA/Hygiea (and affiliated brands) and urged trustees to reconsider the award recommendation. “Sometimes the lowest price is not the best value,” Gallardo said, summarizing his company’s investments in promotional partnerships and refrigerated transport that he said support timely delivery and product quality. He described refrigerated temperature‑monitoring systems and backup supply from sister plants in other Texas cities as assurances against service interruptions.

During the consent agenda discussion the board pulled the milk RFP for separate consideration. Staff told trustees the award recommendation followed the lowest‑bid per section approach and that the recommended vendor for the milk section was Highland Dairy Foods. Trustees asked staff to provide additional procurement documentation and a performance history for the vendors; staff agreed to share the vendor documentation provided in the board packet.

A motion to table the milk RFP to the board’s next meeting carried by voice vote.

Trustees said the delay should not impede school meal service because the new contracts would begin with the September budget year start and staff indicated there was time to resolve questions ahead of delivery. The board requested a written packet of documentation showing the bids by section, any past performance issues, and the procurement rationale before the item returns for final approval.

The board approved all other bids in the consent agenda and left RFP 030‑2025 for further review at the next meeting.